Authorizing the Mayor to submit to the United States Government, Department of Transportation, an application for a grant under the "Bicycle Grant Program"

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION The purpose of this grant will be to locate and install bicycle parking facilities which will encourage safe, secure, and easy access to the CBD; in- crease mobility of low and moderate income households; and create interfaces between bicycle and mass transportation. Improved access to service, public, retail and employment centers especially within the CBD will be promoted. Thus, in keeping with the CBD revitalization strategy bicycle transportation will play an ever increasing role. The potential spin -off benefits of auto users converting to bicycles will favorably affect energy consumption. Interface bus -bike facilities will encourage optimum usage of buses especially in areas of the city with low densities and increased distances to bus stops. NEED The revitalization strategy for the CBD requires that increased employ- ment opportunities be made. The retail, hotel, health, office, and government centers of the CBD employ low and moderate income persons. Public private sector ventures such as First Bank - Marriott and Century Mall, project an in- crease in employment for low and moderate income persons. Present and pro- jected employment patterns necessitate increased opportunities for bicycle usage. The City of South Bend has identified that its inner city low and moderate income families have minimal access to automobile transportation. Alternative forms of transportation (walking, bicycle, & bus) are the primary modes of mobility. .Minimal facilities currently exist that would encourage bicycle transportation. The criteria for identifying need include the following: 1. Concentration of low & moderate income households