Bike lanes provide numerous benefits to small towns, including:

Improved Safety for Cyclists
Bike lanes make it safer for cyclists to ride on the road, as they provide a designated space for cyclists to ride in. This reduces the risk of accidents and collisions with motor vehicles, making the roads safer for everyone.

Increased Bike Usage
When bike lanes are installed, more people are likely to start cycling. This is because bike lanes make cycling feel safer and more accessible, which encourages more people to take up this healthy and eco-friendly form of transportation.

Reduced Traffic Congestion
When more people start cycling, there are fewer cars on the road, which reduces traffic congestion. This is particularly important in small towns, where traffic can often be a major issue.

Improved Health
Cycling is a great form of exercise, and it can help to improve overall health and wellbeing. By advocating for more bike lanes in your town, you are not only helping to make the roads safer, but you are also encouraging people to live a healthier lifestyle.

The Challenges of Implementing Bike Lanes

While there are many benefits to installing bike lanes in our communities, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed. Some of these include:

Limited Space and Cost
One of the main challenges is the allocation of resources, both in terms of funding and space. Creating bike lanes requires a significant investment in infrastructure, which can be difficult to justify when there are competing demands for limited resources.

Resistance from Motorists
There will be members of the community who are not enthusiastic about other modes of transportation or do not see biling/running/walking as a priority. As such, many drivers view the creation of bike lanes (and the parking space that may be impacted) as a waste of resources or an unnecessary inconvenience.

Despite these challenges, it is important for us to continue advocating for more bike lanes and to highlight the many benefits they can bring to communities, such as improved health and wellness, reduced traffic congestion, and increased accessibility.

How Do We Advocate for More Bike Lanes?

Attend Town Meetings
Attending town meetings and speaking up in favor of infrastructure for people on bikes is a great way to make your voice heard. Be sure to come prepared with facts and statistics and don’t be afraid to share personal stories about your own experiences as a cyclists in the community.

Contact Local Officials
Reach out to local officials, such as town council members and the mayor, to express your support for more infrastructure of these types. You can do this by sending emails, making phone calls, or even writing letters. Be sure to explain why you think more bike lanes are important and how they can benefit the community.

Collaborate with Community Organizations like Talbot Thrive!
Collaborating with community organizations, like Talbot Thrive,  local bike clubs or environmental groups, can help amplify your message and create a stronger case for more bike lanes.