Later today, the application period opens for the “Green Lane Project,” a promising new initiative funded by national advocacy org Bikes Belong.
The project’s aim is to help build “world-class cycling networks” in a select group of U.S. cities that are “poised to make significant progress over the next two years in installing cycle tracks and related improvements.” To spur the development of high-quality bikeways, Bikes Belong will funnel 70% of their annual grant budget (about $140,000) and provide technical assistance and other resources to the selected cities (study trips are scheduled for Denmark, New York City, and the Netherlands). Cities that are chosen will sign a contract with Bikes Belong committing themselves to the partnership.
Only six cities will be chosen to participate, and you can bet the competition will be fierce.
“We have had conversations with Portland transportation folks and the mayor’s office, and look forward to a strong application from the City of Portland.”
— Martha Roskowski, Green Lane Project
In order to be selected, Bikes Belong says a city must “have a plan or vision that is supported by elected officials, leading staff, and the community.” It’s also not just about which city is #1 when it comes to biking. The team behind the project says the cities chosen will range from “known leaders” to ones that are “just embarking on making space for bikes.”
Will Portland get a spot on this train? We’re certainly a “known leader,” but we’ve stalled when it comes to building world-class urban bikeways. Also, with a new Mayor and new City Commissioners set to take the helm, we need all the momentum and support we can get.
I haven’t heard back from Mayor Adams’ office or sources at PBOT, but Green Lane Project director Martha Roskowski says they’ve had conversations with them and that she’s, “looking forward to a strong application from the City of Portland.”
BTA Executive Director Rob Sadowsky says his organization is “excited about the potential” of Portland becoming one of the focus cities. “The BTA strongly urges the City to get on board,” he shared via email this morning. “We need leadership at the local level, now more than ever, to showcase the changes that safe protected bicycle lanes bring to cities.”
Other cities sure to vie for a spot will be Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, New York City and Minneapolis.
Roskowski says they’ll make decisions by the end of March. Learn more about the project on the official website and watch the video below…
Green Lane Project from Bikes Belong on Vimeo.