Charlotte Civic Forum on Biking

Civic By Design Forum
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 | Forum 5:30pm – 6:00pm | Bike tour 6:15pm – 7:00pm
Levine Museum of the New South
200 East Seventh Street
Free and open to the public
Free parking at 7th street parking garage

How to design a “bicycle friendly” city

Bring your bike and helmet to the next Civic By Design Forum!

People ride bikes for many reasons. Some commute to work, some bike with their families, some cycle for exercise, and for some riding is their work. With increasing gas prices, drivers are considering alternative modes of transportation; consequently, there are more bikes on the road than ever. In any case, the cyclist cannot be overlooked when designing our streets, neighborhoods, commercial centers, and buildings. (Please read more!)

Charlotte aspires to be a "bicycle friendly" city. The Department of Transportation is creating their design manuals and long range plans with the cyclist in mind. Parking ordinances have been revised to require bike racks and lockers in commercial development. Cycling events and rides are held in Charlotte on a weekly basis, and several websites are dedicated to connecting and informing cyclists.

So, is Charlotte a bike-friendly city? What steps still need to be taken to make it a safe place for riders of all ages and abilities? What can designers and planners do to make the urban environment a safe and convenient place to ride?

Bring your bike and helmet to the next Civic By Design Forum. After a brief presentation from our panel and discussion, Charlotte Bicycle Coordinator, Ken Tippette, will lead us on a brief tour to experience Center City from a cyclist's perspective. This will be an easy biking tour.

For those interested in biking we will meet you at the front door of the museum to secure your bike during the forum meeting.

Civic By Design Forum
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 | Forum 5:30pm – 6:00pm | Bike tour 6:15pm – 7:00pm
Levine Museum of the New South
200 East Seventh Street
Free and open to the public
Free parking at 7th street parking garage

“Bicycles MAY JUST be the alley through which Charlotte could sneak in better urban design without being so self-conscious about it. In Japan there are free bikes for use at strategic corners around the city. Citizens can get one and ride it to their destination. Leave it for the next user. And then get on another one to return. I read that Denmark and some Scand. cities do this too in an effort to have a greener community. It sounds simple and really is. Don’t know why Charlotte could not try this. All biking doesn’t have to be in tights and on fancy wheels.” Susan Tompkins, forum participant

What can we do to elevate the quality of Charlotte’s built environment? What can we do to promote public participation in the creation of a more beautiful and functional region for all?

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The mission of the Charlotte Region Civic By Design Forum is to elevate the quality of the Charlotte region’s built environment and to promote public participation in the creation of a more beautiful and functional region for all. This is a free and open to the public forum sponsored by the Charlotte AIA and the Levine Museum of the New South. To RSVP and/or to receive more information contact Civic By Design Forum at the AIA Charlotte office by email at erica@aiacharlotte.org or call 704.369.2302.