There are significant challenges to bicycle commuting in Vermont, even when the weather is cooperative and streets are clear of ice and snow. But it might soon get a little easier to ride your bike on at least some state highways.Tonight, April 30, the Vermont Agency of Transportation is hosting its second statewide meeting about its On Road Bicycle Plan. The first meeting was held over the winter, as the state was collecting information about where Vermont cyclists want to be able to bike. VTrans collected over 2,100 contributions to an interactive wikimap.
VTrans has utilized the information from that map to inform which state highways will be included in designated bike corridors. Those corridors will be the main topic of discussion at tonight's meeting.
The meeting will be conducted from 6-8 p.m. over the Vermont Interactive Television Network, and meeting attendees can go to any of the 15 network sites. For those who would like to observe but not participate in the meeting, it can be viewed online via a live stream.
And while you're dusting off your bike and pumping up the tires, why not give bike commuting a try? Next week is the start of Way to Go!, a two-week challenge to change up your commute. Here's what VTrans has to say on its Go! Vermont biking webpage about the new commuter bike options:
Get ready to rethink cycling. Traditional bikes, road bikes and mountain bikes have long been a great way to get around Vermont, but recent innovations in Cargo and Electric Assist bikes are adding a whole new dimension to how we roll. Cargo bikes feature increased carrying capacity that’s ideal for a range of needs, and electric assist bikes make it possible to climb even the steepest of Vermont hills. Combine e-assist technology with a cargo bike (an e-cargo bike) and these workhorses are up for the challenge, whether you’re towing the family, commuting to work or loading up at the grocery store.
The Way to Go! challenge runs May 4 through May 15.