The Bikes Belong Foundation has received a $100,000 grant from REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) to expand their Bicycling Design Best Practices Program. The Program showcases the best models for bicycle transportation from Europe and North America to help American cities make bicycling a safe and practical choice for short trips.
“Thanks to REI’s support, we will be able to help many more individuals, legislators, engineers, and business developers bring home and implement the best new ideas in bicycle infrastructure design in their communities,” said Bruno Maier, vice president of Bikes Belong.
The REI Best Practices Grants will help jumpstart cost-effective, next-generation bicycle transportation advances such as physically protected bike lanes, colored pavement, and bicycle-specific traffic signals that make bicycling an appealing and safe choice for short trips in urban environments.
Bicycling is experiencing unprecedented growth in U.S. cities as mayors and transportation officials appreciate the multiple benefits and low-cost of investing in bicycling. The number of frequent bike users has grown 40% nationwide in the past 10 years and 62% in America’s 70 largest cities, improving public health, decreasing traffic congestion, and saving city governments costly road maintenance and parking-related expenses. More than 40% of all trips Americans make are two miles or less, a distance that can be quickly and easily traveled on two-wheels.
Grant applications for the first round are due on October 28, 2011. Visit REI Grant Programs page for more information about eligibility.
