What Happened?
Research indicates access to bicycle infrastructure can greatly boost economic growth in low-income communities.
The Research
New research from PeopleforBikes analyzed the impact increased access to bicycle infrastructure would have on low income communities in urban settings. The report outlined several recommendations for community-based advocates to make cyclist amenities a priority in local street projects as a means to improve economic opportunity, public health and overall efficiency.
The goal of the report was to provide local government officials with key insights into how bicycle infrastructure can directly influence larger, more complex issues such as economic equality, and the many ways bike-friendly projects have positively impacted communities.
According to the report, people who make less money tend to bike more as a means of both transportation and recreation. Many low-income demographics that bike most often are at increased risk of injury or death from collisions, and would significantly benefit from increased bicycle infrastructure and protection.
Prioritizing Bikers
As more cities mark a dramatic rise in bicyclists on the roads, local officials are incorporating bike amenities into their complete street policies. As a result, many urban centers are swapping out parking spaces for cars to accommodate safer roadways for bicyclists, USA Today reported.
Cities are not only cutting out on-street parking spaces to create room for bike lanes, but also using the free space to install:
- Bus lanes
- Pedestrian walkways
- Parklets
Cities such as St. Paul, San Francisco and Princeton, New Jersey, are considering projects that remove significant parking infrastructure from city centers and replace them with raised bike lanes, bicycle routes and other non-motorized vehicle resources. Cities are also improving visibility and signage on roadways to make multimodal navigation easier while reminder drivers of bicyclists nearby, USA Today reported.
Bikes Only
This September, Portland, Oregon, will have a new car-free bridge project completed as part of the city’s push to be a more multimodal community. Tilikum Crossing will not allow private cars to pass over it, but has been designed specifically for:
- Buses
- Walkers
- Bicyclists
- Light rail
The bridge comes equipped with traffic signals that make it easier for bicyclists to transition from standard roadways onto the bridge. The structure has embedded street sensors that detect a bicyclist and adjust the signals in real time. The bridge is divided into different paths for sidewalks and bike lanes with fences and clearly makings painted on the ground. The bridge also provides users with areas to stop and pull off the path along the way. This side panel to the bridge lanes will house an outdoor retail and restaurant area with featuring bike parking.
Tilikum Crossing will be made available to the public in September when the 7.3-mile light rail line is complete and ready for service. The crossing will be conveniently located close to local academic institutions and may expand to accommodate streetcar services in the future. To ensure optimal safety on the bridge, the maximum speed for buses or rail vehicles will be 25mph.
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