"Springtime always brings people out in droves," Says Jim MacDonald, Owner of Biketown.
At Biketown in Abilene cyclists are getting ready to ride. But there's another type of rider on the increase, commuters.
Rising gas prices have them looking for other ways to get around, and asking the question,is Abilene bike friendly?
"It's probably friendlier than a lot of people think.There are a few points in town that the traffic chokes down and there's not another way around and those are points that its really difficult for a bike to get through," Says MacDonald.
"Where we stand in terms of other cities in the country we are a little behind in terms of being bicycle friendly,'' Explains Abilene's Director of Planning and Development, Jon James.
Which is why the city of Abilene is looking closely into how to accommodate the growing number of bikers on the road.
"Looking at all the streets around town and developing routes and in some cases even special bike lanes, or even bike paths to better accommodate bicyclists on our streets," Said James.
The city already has one bike path on Judge Ely Boulevard, but that's just a small stretch.
Part of the city's capital improvement plan, a five year plan that designates money for infrastructure, will go toward improving and expanding on this idea.
"We know hardcore bicyclists are out there and they find our roads pretty decent, there are some things we could do different. But we really want to focus on the people who aren't the hardcore bicyclist just the everyday person who might want to ride their bike," Said James.
At Biketown in Abilene cyclists are getting ready to ride. But there's another type of rider on the increase, commuters.
Rising gas prices have them looking for other ways to get around, and asking the question,is Abilene bike friendly?
"It's probably friendlier than a lot of people think.There are a few points in town that the traffic chokes down and there's not another way around and those are points that its really difficult for a bike to get through," Says MacDonald.
"Where we stand in terms of other cities in the country we are a little behind in terms of being bicycle friendly,'' Explains Abilene's Director of Planning and Development, Jon James.
Which is why the city of Abilene is looking closely into how to accommodate the growing number of bikers on the road.
"Looking at all the streets around town and developing routes and in some cases even special bike lanes, or even bike paths to better accommodate bicyclists on our streets," Said James.
The city already has one bike path on Judge Ely Boulevard, but that's just a small stretch.
Part of the city's capital improvement plan, a five year plan that designates money for infrastructure, will go toward improving and expanding on this idea.
"We know hardcore bicyclists are out there and they find our roads pretty decent, there are some things we could do different. But we really want to focus on the people who aren't the hardcore bicyclist just the everyday person who might want to ride their bike," Said James.
Comments
Solving the theft problem is the key to more bike usage.
Dually D.
April 10, 2012 at 8:03 pm
