As Denver B-Cycle, the country's first large-scale municipal bike-sharing program, seeks to expand with 27 new stations, one city councilman is objecting to the plans with concerns that the system is skirting poor and minority neighborhoods.
Although the expansion plans that were set to go before the Denver City Council this week are thought to have widespread support, as Jeremy P. Meyer reports, "Councilman Paul Lopez, who represents a mostly Latino district in southwest Denver, has been the lone vote against the expansion, saying the 2-year-old bike-sharing program should be for everyone."
"This shouldn't be just for people who can afford it," Lopez said.
"It's truly sad that just one (of the stations) is in west Denver.
That truly says something."
"Program officials said they must
put stations where they can get the most ridership," notes Meyer, "and in some cases
cultural barriers prevent some people from hopping onto the B-Cycle's
red-framed bikes with the big white baskets."
"Lopez said the stations are needed in
areas that are the least healthy in the city. His district has a high
rate of obesity and diabetes, and he said residents should be given
every type of encouragement to exercise."
"If it is truly about
behavioral change, make it available where it is really needed or where
it will have impact," he said. "Is this truly, truly about the issues
and behavioral change or is this just for looks?"
FULL STORY: Denver B-Cycle program faces criticism that it skirts poor, minorities

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont