Since 2011, the nonprofit organization Bike Cleveland, has been working to impact policy and advocate for action to make our streets safer for everyone, not just cars. It’s brought cyclists together for events such as its Fundo in August, regular socials and its Cranksgiving benefit to gather food for those in need, and drawn attention to the negative impact of existing road structure on pedestrians and cyclists with events such as its annual Day of Remembrance and Ride of Silence. And it’s advocated for protected bike lanes at civic meetings while working with officials to upgrade infrastructure to improve safety.
Recently, it released a poll of Cleveland residents that it commissioned, conducted by the Baldwin Wallace University Community Research Institute. Among its findings: 75% support increasing public investment to improve safe bicycling, walking, and public transportation use. It found that a majority wanted to cycle more and would do so if there was a protected bike lane to their destination. Most also felt that more walking and cycling would improve community health and social connections, reduce pollution and lower transportation costs.
“These survey results demonstrate the significant will of Clevelanders to support infrastructure improvements that allow people to get around safely without a car,” said Bike Cleveland’s longtime executive director and one of cycling’s most visible advocates in northeast Ohio, Jacob VanSickle.
“Clevelanders share a concern for safety and believe that creating safe transportation options, including bicycling and public transit improvements, is good for the city’s residents, businesses and workers,” added Bike Cleveland’s Advocacy and Policy Manager Jenna Thomas.
You can read the full report here.
bikecleveland.org/bike-cle/news/
