Bikes Belong will award $40,000 in grants this month to five different bicycling projects. According to the oganization, the funding support for these paths, trails, and other facilities will help “create great places to ride in communities across the country.”
City of Carrollton-Carrollton Greenbelt Spur (Georgia)
The City of Carrollton's Greenbelt Committee will receive $7,500 to build a spur trail that will link residential neighborhoods with the Greenbelt multi-use path. When all phases of the project are complete, the Greenbelt will circumnavigate the city, connecting schools, parks, and neighborhoods with stores and businesses.
Carrollton's Greenbelt Committee includes bike shop owners, realtors, city officials, and other professionals. Many of these individuals are avid cyclists and believe that the bike path will enhance their community by easing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and providing a safe place to cycle.
Des Moines County Nature Trails Association-Gateway Project/Mississippi River Trail Re-Route (Iowa)
The Des Moines County Nature Trails Association (DMCNTA) will receive $7,500 to help complete their Gateway Project in Burlington. This 1.5-mile trail will be a bicycle and pedestrian “gateway” to the town, and will connect the city and county portions of the popular River to Lake Trail.
The new stretch of trail will also serve as the official route for the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) which, when complete, will consist of more than 2,000 miles of multi-use paths in 10 states. The DMCNTA continues advocate for the maintenance and development of the MRT in southeastern Iowa.
City of Fitchburg-BMX Park (Massachusetts)
The City of Fitchburg will receive $5,000 to help build a BMX park next to the existing Joubert Skate Park. Conflict between skaters and BMXers at the skate park caused the city to evaluate its options for pleasing both parties, and planners deemed separate facilities to be the best solution.
Home to the famous Longsjo Classic Bicycle Race, Fitchburg is committed to supporting bicyclists of all ages and wheel sizes. The city is incorporating feedback from BMX riders in the community, in order to insure that the facility will be the best in north-central Massachusetts. The park will give BMX enthusiasts an exciting place to ride and encourage more kids to join the sport.
Hoosier Mountain Bike Association-Brown County State Park Trails (Indiana)
The Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA) will receive $10,000 to develop 10 more miles of sustainable mountain bike trails in Brown County State Park-the first state park in Indiana to allow mountain bike access. Bikes Belong funding will help match a Recreational Trails Program grant for trail construction, which HMBA will use to build singletrack for seasoned riders and new mountain bikers, alike.
Founded in 2000, HMBA has worked hard to improve and develop mountain biking opportunities in Indiana. Their trailbuilding and advocacy efforts have helped increase ridership by turning casual mountain bikers into enthusiasts and introducing new people to the thrill of off-road riding.
ClevelandBikes-Cleveland Bike Station (Ohio)
ClevelandBikes will receive $10,000 to develop and promote an urban bike station. The facility will be downtown near the transit hub, which is accessed by a network of bike lanes and designated routes, making it easily accessible for commuters. The site, which was donated by the city, is also near the Quicken Loans Arena (The Q), and the station will be able to provide secure bike parking for events.
Through advocacy work, mentorship, and infrastructure improvements, Cleveland Bikes has significantly improved conditions for cyclists in the city. The bike station project promises to continue this trend while increasing ridership, with an emphasis on bike commuting.
