Bikes get equal footing with cars in Ann Arbor thanks to new in-street parking

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 | Source: Concentrate

Ann Arbor has struck another blow for bicycle equality this summer, making room for more bike racks in what are normally parking spaces for automobiles.

The city is starting a pilot program this summer where bike racks will be placed in actual parking spaces that have traditionally reserved for automobiles. The three bike racks are in Kerrytown (in front of the People’s Food Coop), Main Street (Arbor Brewing Company) and State Street (Bivouac).

The space that once made room for one car will be able to house up to 14 bikes. Seattle has instituted a similar practice of creating bicycle equality.

The idea is to help promote non-motorized ways of transportation by making them more visible. The sight of a gaggle of bicycles occupying the same space once meant for a car is meant to send a message that bicyclists are welcome in Ann Arbor's downtown.

"They see they will have a premier parking spot n ext to the business they work or shop at," says Nancy Shore, executive director of getDowntown.

It is also meant to help clear some room on Ann Arbor's sidewalks. Many of downtown's sidewalks are full of café seating, parking meters, newspaper boxes, planters and all manner of street furniture. Moving some bicycle racks to the street will help free up some much-needed sidewalk space.

"It also sends a message that bikes belong on the street," Shore says.

Source: Nancy Shore, executive director of getDowntown
Writer: Jon Zemke