Seriously? they are making all sort of excuses in the editorial linked below for why Columbia, MO brought up the rear among the four cities that received funding for the non-motorized pilot project. The reports are all in to congress now, so we can see how all the cities did. Obviously, some changes can still be expected, because education and encouragement programs are still on-going; infrastructure is not even finished in some cases, and there is momentum.
Here's some pretty weak tea on why Columbia is last in results: "The money is appropriated and largely spent. Columbia is not in a fair fight with the likes of Northern California, Minnesota and Wisconsin when it comes to pedaling. We have our share of students, but most live close to downtown; for after-hours high-heel trips to more remote places of entertainment, the bike is not the vehicle of choice. As for our general population, which likely includes more rednecks than those snooty places up north, getting us out of our pickups and onto skinny-tired street bikes seems like a substantial chore." http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/may/05/bike-funding/ Uh, you know we have, like, SNOW in Wisconsin and Minnesota, right? And you aren't competing against Madison, but Sheboygan County? More info about the projects, perspectives from the local press, and more links to the national/official reports can be found at the links below. Report on NMTP projects show marked increased in biking and walking with little $$$ - below are local press stories: Columbia, MO: http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/may/02/getabout-increased-non-motorized-travel/ Twin Cities: http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/150105625.html Sheyboygan: http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20120503/SHE0101/120503026/Report-Nonmotorized-pilot-program-working-?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE Marin: http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_20490602/report-federal-bike-and-pedestrian-plan-success-marin RTC post: http://community.railstotrails.org/blogs/trailblog/archive/2012/05/01/transportation-secretary-hails-pilot-project-as-quot-eye-opening-report-on-the-value-of-investing-in-nonmotorized-transportation-quot.aspx US DOT (Sec LaHood) post: http://fastlane.dot.gov/2012/05/bike-month.html** Robbie Webber Transportation Policy Analyst State Smart Transportation Initiative www.ssti.us 608-263-9984 (o) 608-225-0002 (c) [email protected]
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