A Bicycle Friendly Downtown?!

This morning I went to a great presentation at BSU by April Economides (Green Octopus Consulting) about how to improve bicycle friendly business districts.  I think this fits nicely of with my survey a couple weeks about about the possibility of closing 8th Street to cars, where 55% of the respondents thought closing 8th Street to cars should be done and another 21% thought we should at least try it temporarily.

Right now is a good time to discuss these issues because ACHD and the City of Boise are going through their Downtown Boise Implementation Plan where they are contemplating 2 way streets, bike lanes, and a more pedestrian friendly downtown.    This open house will be on June 6th, and if you're into downtown Boise, go and voice your thoughts.

During April's presentation and discussion, she handed out a Bicycle Friendly Business Districts Ideas sheet, which has numerous great ideas (e.g. bike valets, more bike racks, bike shares, bike maps, better bike safety, etc.) on helping the bicycle community.  I think we could implement many of these ideas for little to no cost and really improve our bike-ability.

All in all, April showed many examples how bicycling is not only good for your health, but it's also good for the pocket book of the riders and the businesses they frequent.  

The Superintendent keeping things under control at The Grove Fountain.