Bike Infrastructure
Definition
Facilities enabling safe cycling: protected bike lanes (physical separation from traffic), conventional bike lanes (painted), multi-use paths, bike parking, and signals. Quality infrastructure dramatically increases cycling safety and ridership.
Louisville Context
Louisville has minimal bike infrastructure: 50 miles of mostly painted lanes on high-speed roads where few dare bike. Dave builds protected bike network: 200 miles of protected bike lanes over 8 years, connecting neighborhoods to downtown, jobs, parks, and services. Protected lanes use planters, posts, or curbs physically separating bikes from traffic. Focus on low-income neighborhoods where residents need car-free transportation.
Why It Matters
Painted bike lanes on 40 mph roads don’t make cycling safe—only protected infrastructure encourages cycling by ‘interested but concerned’ majority. Cycling provides transportation for people who can’t afford cars ($10,000+ annually) and healthy exercise. Protected bike lanes make Louisville accessible without car ownership.
Dave’s Proposal
Build 200 miles of protected bike lane network over 8 years, connecting neighborhoods to downtown, jobs, parks, and services. Prioritize low-income neighborhoods and use physical protection (not just paint).