Columbia, Missouri is embarking on an ambitious plan to add 1000 new bicycle racks around the city over the next few years. Currently, there are just 113 spaces in the downtown district. As cycling gains in popularity in Columbia, more bicycle parking places will be needed. The lack of secure parking keeps many people from using their bikes for basic transportation.
An article in the Columbia Missourian (City hopes to add 1,000 bike racks) says:
The proposal calls for the city to purchase bicycle racks with federal money and loan them to businesses and property owners at no cost. In return, the businesses and property owners would be responsible for installation and maintenance of the racks and would be required to keep them open to the public.
Funding will come from the GetAboutColumbia project, which was established in 2006 when the city received $22 million after it was designated as one of four communities for the Federal Highway Administration’s nonmotorized transportation pilot program. The project is designed to encourage more bicycling and walking.
The program is modeled after one in Minneapolis, one of the four cities involved in the nonmotorized federal initiative. Donald Pflaum, bicycle coordinator for Minneapolis, said the program has been extremely successful.
See also: Downtown Bicycle Parking Plan (PDF) from GetAboutColumbia
Post tags: Bike Racks
