Last night, residents throughout the Birmingham metro area descended on the Cahaba Brewing Company to provide input on the B-Active DRAFT Regional Bicycle Network (plan).

The draft bicycle plan was developed after receiving feedback from more than 1,000 residents representing 112 zip codes within the region.

Criteria for the plan included, an inventory of existing and planned bicycle and paved-trail facilities, a safety analysis at high crash locations, the location of natural and man-made barriers that make conditions for bicycling difficult, and a demand analysis that incorporated locations where people bicycle to and from the most – such as parks, transit stops, employment centers, universities and shopping centers.

“I like that we’re considering a comprehensive plan for commuting throughout the region. Cycling and and pedestrian consideration is transportation choice. It is important to our quality of life and economic development, stated Stan Palla, prominent local cyclist.

With a focus on increasing the number of cyclists, rather than just number of facility miles, the regional network targets the “interested but concerned” bicyclists, which represent approximately 51% of current and potential users. The recommended design solutions for roadways on the proposed bicycle network include ways to mitigate the level of traffic stress that bicyclists feel and maximize their degree of separation from the automobile (i.e. through the future provision of a buffered bike lane, separated bike lane, shared use path, etc.).

The full Birmingham Regional Active Transportation Plan is expected to be released in late Spring 2018.

Additional B-Active Plan events are scheduled for April near Earth Day. Mark your calendars now.

B-Active Kickoff Open House
Tuesday, April 18th (4-7pm)
Main Pavilion at Railroad Park

Pop-Up Events
Monday, April 17 (4:30 -6pm)
Rotary Trail – Trailhead at 20th Street

Tuesday, April 18 (11:30am -1:30pm)
UAB Campus – Campus Green outside the Hill Student Center

Wednesday April 19 (4:30)-6:00pm)
Downtown Homewood, outside of Trak Shak

Thursday, April 20 (4:00pm-6:00pm)
Oak Mountain State Park, south trailhead parking lot

For complete details about the plan visit http://www.b-activeplan.com

If you care about cycling and want to see safer and accessible routes, B-Active needs your input.

Make a difference and participate.