Cities of all sizes are working to make bike riding a comfortable and integral part of daily life downtown.
(Boonton, NJ, October 10, 2014) — As Americans become more focused on fitness and the environment, commuters, as well as recreationalists, are learning the value of pedal power. As a result, projects to boost bike-centric amenities in city centers are flourishing.
This month Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter looks at bike share programs, making way for bikes on city-center streets, and facilities for bike riders such as the 1,450-square-foot Downtown Bicycle Station, which is managed by the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis.
The station, accessible 20 hours per day, features showers, locker rooms, and more than 100 bike racks, all meant to make bicycling to work more convenient for downtown commuters.
The project was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. In addition to improving personal health and reducing the number of cars on downtown streets, the city credits the bike station with the expansion of a local bike shop and other businesses near the Station.
More on bike-centric downtowns, green parking lots, and community gardens appears in the October issue of Downtown Idea Exchange.
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About the Downtown Research & Development Center
For over 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has acted as the information clearinghouse on practical strategies and tactics for revitalizing the hearts of our cities and towns.
The Group\'s main activities include publishing the widely influential Downtown Idea Exchange and Downtown Promotion Reporter newsletters; publishing relevant books and reports; and operating the DowntownDevelopment.com website.
Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com