04-30-10 Long-term bike network to pass halfway point in 2010

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Office of the Mayor NEWS RELEASE April 29, 2010 3:30 pm Long-term bike network to pass halfway point in 2010 Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564 or Chris Dressel, Bicycle Coordinator, 235-9371 Mayor Stephen J. Luecke today announced 10.6 miles of new bicycle routes planned for completion in 2010, including the first painted bike lanes in the heart of downtown. Plans to add newly striped lanes along Jefferson Boulevard and South Street, and to upgrade a previously announced segment of Colfax Avenue to painted lanes signal the heightened visibility of bicycling in South Bend, especially by bicycle commuters. But the most dramatic change in the fourth year since the mayor called for creating a 50- mile network is the extent to which that network is taking shape. When this year’s work is completed, a cyclist could begin on Olive Road at the city’s northwest edge and ride a continuous path without leaving the network all the way to the southern point of York Road. And the cyclist could have several courses from which to choose in getting there. “The whole purpose of adding at least 10 new miles of lanes and routes each year is to create a safe place, increase bicycle riding, reduce road congestion and enhance our quality of life,” Luecke said. “Beyond the goal for 50 miles by the end of 2011, our work will continue toward making South Bend a bicycle friendly community.” Luecke also used the occasion to proclaim May as “South Bend Bike Month,” a month that will be marked on Sunday, May 23, by the first Bike the Bend, a 30-mile non- competitive recreational ride, followed by Bike to Work Week May 24-28. “Together with the Bike Michiana Coalition, the City of South Bend has had great support and advocacy from our bicycle community to make it easier and safer for residents to choose to travel by bike,” the proclamation said. -more-