Canada bike infrastructure.

Ok, I've been back long enough that I can start to put together a post on some of the stuff I saw in Edmonton (Alberta).  I was only in Edmonton for about 15 hours but I made time for a run and a walk to a local beer bar.  I know you guys don't want to hear me ramble on about this too much, so I'll keep it photo centric (crappy cell phone pics but at least pics).

A view from the hotel....and yes, I see that I misspelled "their" in the text.

Leaving the bluff top hotel they have very nice stairs down to the river.  Notice the wooden edge rail on the steps for rolling your bike up the steps!!

A family out for the evening bike, including kids in a trailer.  It's hard to tell here but these aren't just sidewalks.  They have additional width and are designated bike routes!

Here's a whole network of paths along the river that lead all all over the city!

Including "Sugar Bowl", which was a nice little beer bar with 50+ beers on tap and some really good food!

I took an alternate route home along a bike/ped specific lane on the double decked bridge.

Another example of separated bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.  The bike path is on the left.

A Dutch perspective on biking in the US (with Tahoe, Davis, Chicago, and others as an example).

Just found this over at bikeportland.org.  Its good to see that we didn't get condemned across the board, but he has some really good comments on what we lack and how to improve our infra (infrastructure).  Have a look, it's worth a few minutes!

Ever wonder where the money goes (in terms of transportation $$)?

Well, here's the latest bicycle and pedestrian spending from the RTC.  I've just pasted in one page that focuses on the new addition to the cycle track out in Sparks, but there are many more projects that have bicycle infrastructure involved.  Here's the link.

The Green Lane Project.

While Reno might not be applying for these programs yet, it's exciting to see that these projects are being pushed in some of the "leading" bicycle friendly cities. 


Green Lane Project from Bikes Belong on Vimeo.

My understanding is, to be selected as one of the six cities to get funding for this type of project, the city must "have a plan or vision that is supported by elected officials, leading staff, and the community."  I'd say we have the plan (thank you BPAC), the leading staff, and even support in the community.  It looks like what we really need is some elected officials who will step up to the plate....

And just so you don't think Reno could possibly qualify for such a program while competing against larger cities like Chicago and Portland.  The application states it's not just about which city is the leader in bike infrastructure, rather that cities chosen will range from "known leaders" to areas that are "just embarking on making space for bikes."

Who knows....maybe Reno should apply!?

Entrance Ramps....not just for cars!

Found something that makes my morning commute just that much more fun.  Really its a pretty impressive thing since I enjoy my ride thoroughly!  This particular gem acts like a highway entrance ramp....for bikes!  Most people would call it a bus stop, but that's just silly.  Anyway enough talk...have a look!

Bicycle entrance ramp or bus stop with access to the park....you decide!

Slightly banked turn to maintain speed!

Straight shot entry into the new bike lane!

Nicely disguised as a bus stop so motorists don't get angry about the city building bike infrastructure!

Reno qualifies for Bronze level bike friendly city!

I was just perusing Reno-Rambler's blog this morning and I'll shamelessly quote him....

"The official announcement isn't until Wednesday but Reno has been designated a Bronze level Bicycle Friendly City by the League of American Bicyclists!   Congrats to all of the people who worked on the application and most importantly to all the people out there on the streets of Reno utilizing the ever-growing cycling infrastructure in the Biggest Little City."

This doesn't just happen folks.  The Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) has been hammering on this for quite a while.  Meaning that they have given up substantial personal time to make our city a better place to bicycle and been involved in designing the types of bicycle infrastructure that are now popping up all around the city.  So kudos to the BPAC group and your accomplishments...bikes lanes, complete streets, and real progress for Reno moving into the future!