Making Sure Bike Lanes Aren't Viewed as "White Lanes"

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.

1 minute read

October 24, 2013, 7:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

"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

Monday, October 21, 2013 in People for Bikes

Land Use Social / Demographics Transportation United States Bike Lanes Bike Infrastructure Minority Neighborhoods Portland Chicago Gentrification View More

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