Northbrook is requiring local builders to install bike racks and other cyclist-friendly features.
James Karagianis, decided to implement a biker friendly atmosphere despite saddling developers with new regulations and more costs during tough economic times, recognizing that more people will be riding bikes in the future.
In a proposal submitted in September, Northbrook’s Bike Task Force recommended a bike parking space requirement that would be tied to the size of new development and redevelopment. The Village Board recognized this need and made it mandatory for all businesses to install them based on the demand.
Thrilled about the new racks, Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Chicago-based Active Transportation alliance, said “his bicycling advocacy group encourages villages to create bike requirements or incentives, some communities allow developers to build higher density housing complexes for example, in exchange for including bike-friendly amenities.”
“It’s specifically great when you have a central business district,” said Sadowsky. “Having adequate bike parking and access will encourage more people to shop in Northbrook”. Overall bike use in the U.S. is up because of factors of such high gas process and growing concerns about health and environmental well-being. Northbrook is taking huge steps in the right direction and is setting a great example for other communities to follow.
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