Instant Input’s Post

As city planners, we must promote and advocate for safe and effective transportation options. This article highlights what three cities are doing to facilitate moving around by bike. Following are a few starters for your city: - If your city hasn’t adopted a complete streets ordinance, promote one. - Push for a Vision Zero policy to eliminate traffic deaths (not restricted to cycling). Here’s to good reading and better biking, Brett

Cyclists and farmers as early allies advocating for paved roads The history of cycling in the United States has been full of obstacles associated with sharing the road with other modes of travel. Prior to the era of automobiles, bicyclists encountered pushback concerning sharing roads with horse-drawn carriages and public spaces with people Friss (2019); Great Britain's 1879 Taylor v. Goodwin case set the common law precedent in the United States that bicycles are vehicles with legal rights to use the road, and the Kansas Supreme Court ruled in the 1890 Swift v. Topeka case that individuals may choose their own mode of travel on roads noting that the choice is subject to the rules of the road (Longhurst, 2015). Once bicycles were legally recognized as vehicles, the League of American Wheelman, an organized group that was pursuing infrastructure conducive to recreational bicycling, teamed up with rural farmers who hoped to reduce agricultural costs of hauling wagons over bumpy terrain to advocate for smoother, paved roads (Guroff, 2016; McCullough, 2015). After the introduction of automobiles, bicycles retained their rights to the road. However, road sharing with automobiles and other modes of travel has remained challenging. I had fun co-authoring this article with climate expert Robin Leichenko. This is our literature review trying to figure out how much research is out there on rural cycling. Being from a rural area of less than 800 people, this was a fun topic. The ties between cyclists and farmers was an interesting tidbit.

The Guardian | Redesigning our streets for more bikes, pedestrians and non-car uses are logical answers to stubborn societal problems such as poor physical and mental health, road safety, traffic and even loneliness. Talking about lifestyle can help us to realise there’s much more to streets than just getting from A to B, and that cycling and walking … help us connect to each other and engage with the environment. The car-based urban system cannot sustain itself over the next 100 years. As a society we need to actively start considering what are the alternatives, and the bicycle comes to the fore as a very interesting lens that cannot only answer that question of how to get around … but how to serve a better quality of life.Marco Te Brömmelstroet https://lnkd.in/gMKY-ZJt

🚴♂️ **Trailblazers: Building Inclusive Trails & Active Transportation** 🚴♀️ Representation matters. Safety is a priority. Bicycling and walking are more than just recreational activities. These are some of the key takeaways from the focus groups conducted by Trailblazers, in partnership with Equitable Cities and Bike.POC, in Northwest Arkansas. The goal of the focus groups was to understand the experiences of diverse communities in the region and ensure that everyone feels represented and belongs on trails and in active transportation. Participants emphasized the need for better infrastructure and accommodations for cyclists, as well as more diversity in cycling and trail media. One participant shared, "I do not go 45 minutes out [of the main city] without a white friend, because I’ve been questioned too many times, and I didn’t like it." Another participant said, "When I think of the average cyclist, I think of someone that is as far away from my demographic as possible." Creating trails and active transportation options that are welcoming and accessible to all is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and community. Let's work together to make this a reality! For more insights, check out the full NWA Trails & Active Transportation Equit Report https://lnkd.in/ge2wY_Vj #Trailblazers #InclusiveTrails #ActiveTransportation #DiversityInCycling #CommunityBelonging

Elevating Tweed Shire's Transportation Landscape: Bitzios Consulting & Tweed Shire Council Collaboration Exciting developments are underway as Bitzios Consulting partners with Tweed Shire Council to finalise the Tweed Pedestrian and Bike Plan. Our joint efforts have resulted in a comprehensive 10-year action plan, designed to enhance pedestrian, and cycling infrastructure and introduce innovative strategies to promote sustainable transportation options now and into the future. Teaming up with LPC on the Tweed Pedestrian and Bike Plan is a game-changer. Their expertise in community and stakeholder engagement perfectly aligns with our vision for a more sustainable Tweed. Together, we're crafting innovative, community-led strategies for lasting impact. Explore the plan and share your thoughts: Tweed Your Say - Pedestrian and Bike Plan https://lnkd.in/gAtQZK4C Let's collaboratively pave the way for a sustainable and vibrant Tweed. Your participation is key in this transformative journey. #TweedPedestrianBikePlan #SustainableTransportation #UrbanPlanning #CommunityEngagement #leisaprowseconsulting

Biking is up in Chicago. Why? Better infrastructure. (data from 2019-2023) Protected bike lanes: 420 miles Crosstown trips 180% Neighborhood trips 113% Bike trips for shopping 117% Bike trips for dining out 93% Bike trips for commuting 8% Zero-auto households 207% Divvy bike / scooter share 108% And, as an added bonus, traffic congestion & emissions are down. #chicago #sustainability #strategy

Attention all trail enthusiasts! Are you someone who loves hitting the trails on a recumbent tricycle or cycling with your little ones in tow? Do you find yourself facing barriers due to narrow gate openings that hinder your ability to fully enjoy the beautiful Caledon Trail? We hear you, and we’re advocating for change! It’s time to address the issue of inclusivity on the Caledon Trail. The current gate openings pose a significant challenge for individuals using recumbent tricycles and parents cycling with toddler carriers. These narrow openings not only dampen enjoyment but also risk safety. Additionally, the way these gates are closed and locked can completely block access for those who need wider openings. Imagine facing a locked gate with the handle positioned inward, effectively shutting out entire groups of trail users! We believe that inclusivity equals enjoyment of the trail for everyone. By widening gate openings and ensuring accessible locking mechanisms, we can create a welcoming environment that allows everyone to participate fully. Let’s make our voices heard! Join us in advocating for trail accessibility. Share your experiences, spread the word, and urge authorities to take action. Together, we can ensure that the Caledon Trail is truly inclusive and enjoyable for all. #TrailInclusivity #CaledonTrailAccessibility #EnjoymentForAll

HUB Cycling's "Pedaling Towards Equity: Analyzing Transportation Access in Metro Vancouver’s Cycling Network" report examines the transportation landscape through an equity lens, focusing on accessibility. There are six recommendations that transportation planners and decision-makers must follow to expand the best quality cycling infrastructure into the most equity-deserving neighbourhoods: ✔️ Adopt an equity-informed design approach. ✔️ Define equity scores and prioritize underserved areas. ✔️ Develop and build a safe, comfortable, and equitable regional cycling network while improving access to transit for underserved areas. ✔️ Engage and empower vulnerable populations. ✔️ Incorporate UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) in active transportation planning. ✔️ Monitor and evaluate equity outcomes.

How to Deal with Bikelash: Tips for Cyclists and Advocates. https://lnkd.in/gtxynmYt. And: How to Build a 15-Minute City with Bicycles at the Center. https://lnkd.in/g6fjUqin