Bike infrastructure is often viewed with skepticism in minority neighborhoods across the U.S. Jay Walljasper looks at how to extend the benefits of biking to communities that often have fewer options for transportation and exercise.
"While African-Americans comprise the fastest growing demographic of bicyclists, doubling from 2001 and 2009 according to U.S. Department of Transportation data, bike lanes proposed for African-American neighborhoods in several cities have drawn controversy," notes Walljasper. Concerns with gentrification, claims of insensitivity to local history and culture, and questions about spending priorities have accompanied efforts to install bike lanes in historically minority neighborhoods in several cities.
Walljasper describes controversies in cities like Chicago and Portland, and ends with a look at 6 ways to broaden support for improving bike infrastructure gleaned from the Summit on Bike Lanes & Equity held last May in Austin.
FULL STORY: BIKE LANES IN BLACK AND WHITE
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