A $2,000 grant from the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) will pay for at least six additional bike racks and contribute to a larger plan by the city of Berkley to put its residents and workers on two wheels. About a dozen bike racks are currently in place in the city.
"It's something we're seeing more of, and we want to see even more of," says Tom Colwell, facility manager and parks and recreation director for the
city of Berkley.
The racks will be installed by July, Colwell says, and will be similar in style to existing ones.
Also this summer, the city is launching a bike riding program, and is in the midst of a project to make its roads safer for bikers, perhaps by adding cycling lanes, he says.
"The bike rack program with
SMART is really in line with what we're trying to do," Colwell says.
The idea behind the grant is to help residents get around town without cars. SMART buses have bike racks for riders as well.
"Ultimately we're going to put some of the racks closer to bus shelters and around town," Colwell says. "What we want to promote is people not driving their own cars everywhere, but getting around by biking…We want to promote a healthier lifestyle."
Source: Tom Colwell, facility manager and parks and recreation director, city of Berkley
Writer: Kim North Shine
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