9 April 2009

Our Mayor Jerry Abramson has formally responded to various feedback and criticism of what was thought to be a new bike station coming to our downtown.

He clarifies that the new structure is intended rather to be a transit center putting “major bus lines, a cab stand and car rentals” all under one roof, while also serving as “a cycling center for commuters, casual riders and tourists who want to explore downtown, bike the Louisville Loop to Southwest Louisville or cycle into neighborhoods like Old Louisville to view the spectacular Victorian architecture.”

The center will potentially be a good development, but what I think is important to address from this letter is the perspective that our Metro government has on bicycle commuting.

Photo by Michael Webber

Louisville’s bike commuters don’t need a downtown cycling center any more than we need a downtown sports arena or a larger downtown highway system. What we need is to be able to get from point A to point B (and back) without being wrecked or hassled by automobile drivers. We need safe access coming in and going outside of the Watterson. The streets in this town need to be looked at anew and completely redesigned, made safer for all modes of transport. A downtown transit center does nothing to advance this.

Assuming a façade of doing good for bike commuters with this new development is disappointing. It shows that Metro government isn’t interested in making Louisville a truly great town for commuter cycling, or else they’re just not paying attention. I could be wrong. I hope I’m wrong. Nevertheless, until the decision makers ride their bikes outside of their downtown nirvana, or at least listen to those who do, I don’t think we’ll see any real improvement for cycling on our city’s streets.