Letters From Our Readers

5% For Bikes - Revisited

A message from the Metro Bicycle Coalition

With both the details and the status of Mayor Nagin’s $250 million bond proposal still uncertain, it’s not too late to write the Mayor and your Councilmembers and ask them to dedicate 5% of the street repair bond funds to bicycle improvements.

Last week Mayor Nagin took a significant step forward in support of bicycle improvements. On August 19, in conjunction with the first Louisiana Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Summit, Mayor Nagin signed the Action Plan for Bicycle Friendly Communities, pledging to improve conditions for bicycling in New Orleans. It’s safe to say that the cards and letter for 5% for bikes have helped the Mayor recognize the need—and public support—of making New Orleans streets safer for bikes.

Also last week, Mayor Nagin’s proposal for a $250 million bond issue for improvements to streets, public buildings and parks was moved from the August 19 Council agenda and sent to the Council Budget committee, delaying its approval. News coverage of the bond issue suggests that the only way it will go forward is if the Mayor and the Council negotiate a plan that incorporates a Council-approved $10 million bond issue for playground improvements into the larger proposal. Please let them know that you want to see bicycle improvements included in this plan.

Thanks to all of you who have already written or called with your support.

For information on how to write in support of 5% for Bikes:
http://www.metrobicyclecoalition.org

To read more about the Action Plan for Bicycle Friendly Communities:
http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/mayors.htm

For recent coverage of the Bond Issue in the “Times-Picayune”:
http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/metro/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1092983552301190.xml

Editor’s Note: This link is no longer functioning.