Bike Lanes Support Livability

Did you know that bike-friendly infrastructure is not only environmentally friendly, but also supports a more equitable and inclusive community?

One of the benefits of riding a bike is that it helps reduce vehicle miles traveled on the roadway, which is good for air quality and also for reducing wear and tear on public streets, saving everyone money. In addition to the environmental benefits, bike-friendly communities mean more transportation options for more people. Many residents who do not own their own vehicle are transit-dependent, and rely on public transportation in order to access destinations such as grocery stores, shopping centers, or employment. Bike lanes come into play by helping residents complete “the first and last mile,” which refers to how someone will ultimately get from the Ground Transportation Center to their final destination and vice versa, often by walking or riding a bike. The Bike Share program, launched in 2019, has helped close the gap on the first and last mile by making rentable bikes and scooters available for short trips around the core of our community, either for fun or for transportation.

Cedar Rapids believes all members of the community deserve safe access to services and destinations, regardless of how you get there.

Dedicated on-street bike lanes throughout the community also continue to unlock access for more residents, in more neighborhoods, which is good for the local economy. This year, new bike lanes were added on Coe Road NE/12th Street SE between Center Point Road and 3rd Avenue, and on 42nd Street NE between Edgewood Road and Wenig Road. Cedar Rapids believes all members of the community deserve safe access to services and destinations, regardless of how you get there.