As Americans become more focused on fitness and the environment, commuters, as well as recreationalists, are learning the value of pedal power. As a result, projects to boost bike-centric amenities in city centers are flourishing.
This month Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter looks at bike share programs, making way for bikes on city-center streets, and facilities for bike riders such as the 1,450-square-foot Downtown Bicycle Station, which is managed by the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis.
The station, accessible 20 hours per day, features showers, locker rooms, and more than 100 bike racks, all meant to make bicycling to work more convenient for downtown commuters.
The project was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. In addition to improving personal health and reducing the number of cars on downtown streets, the city credits the bike station with the expansion of a local bike shop and other businesses near the Station.
The full article appeared in our print edition. To always get the full story, read Downtown Idea Exchange.