One of my biggest complaints about the DFW metroplex has been the general lack of concern for the environment, health and the overall SUV-centric culture. It took a while for me to find my niche here, and I found it in cycling; however, there seems to be this general attitude in the 'plex that having a huge house, driving a huge car and pouring huge blocks of big box stores is where one can find the meaning of life. That may be shifting a bit...
A positive change is in the air. Back in 1999, Fort Worth took the bull by the horns and the Bicycle Blueprint was born. It was a plan that was put into action and resulted in 300 miles of bicycle routes in cow town. Now, the plan is on the verge of being taken further. It has been coined "Bike Fort Worth", and it will expland the existing 300 miles by 755 new miles of trails and bike lanes. It could turn Fort Worth into a cycling haven.
The idea is that adding an abundance of trails and lanes will open up another avenue of transportation as well as slow motor-vehicle traffic. Interestingly, the bike lanes result in better business for shop owners because motorists who drive slower are more likely to stop and shop or eat. An article from the Fort Worth Business Press outlines the plan along with some of the benefits that shop owners on Magnolia have personally experienced since lanes were painted on that road.
My hope is that this project will make both cyclists and motorists happy while doing something good for the environment. With lanes and trails, we cyclists will happily get out of the path of vehicles. ;)
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