ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, December 14, 1995 TAG: 9512140036
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-10 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
Avid cyclists could have an easier time riding the bus if the town applies for a state transportation grant.
The Blacksburg Transit plans to request $18,666 from the state's Transportation Enhancement Grant program to help pay for bike racks on all 29 of its buses and stationary racks for end-of-the line and transfer stops. Local funding for the project, a total of $3,294, would come from the transit's budget.
Town Council scheduled a public hearing on the project for its Jan. 9 meeting. Transit Manager Michael Connelly said he is hoping to get input from cyclists at the hearing.
Connelly pointed to large cities such as Seattle, Wash., that have successfully integrated cycling into their transportation system.
"We're trying to make that interface work out for people as well," he said.
The town unsuccessfully applied for the grant last year, Connelly said, but purchased a single bike rack for a bus anyway with transit funds to determine whether such a program would be successful. The rack proved popular and Connelly said the Blacksburg Transit eventually will outfit all its buses with bike racks even without state funding, though that process would take longer.
LENGTH: Short : 33 linesby CNB