Cyclists to Meet to Urge Burlington Street Bridge Redesign Be Bike Friendly (Audio)

A local cycling advocacy group plans to meet on Wednesday to discuss a redesign of Burlington Street Bridge that some feel will squeeze out cyclists.

Think Bicycles of Johnson County is hosting a meeting to encourage support to make the redesign friendly to cyclists.

The meeting is on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the . 

Below is a press release from Think Bicycles and attached is a public service announcement from the group that is airing on KRUI.

(Editor's note: I am a volunteer for the Bicyclists of Iowa City, a local bike club.)

Cycling Advocates Propose Burlington Bridge Redesign

Think Bicycles of Johnson County will be hosting a public presentation and discussion of their proposal to redesign the Burlington Street Bridge to make it safer and more inviting for cyclists.

The group sees the bridge as an important, but intimidating, thoroughfare for cyclists and potential cyclist. “Burlington Street, from Madison Street across the bridge, is the most important two blocks for bicyclists in Iowa City,”  according to Brad Parsons of the Think Bicycles organization.  “For motorists and cyclists alike, the Burlington Bridge is the best and most direct route to connect east and west, City and University, Iowa City and University Heights and Coralville. Yet, for cyclists, it is one of the most harrowing streets to navigate in Johnson County,” Parsons added.

The Think Bicycles group hired Marty Shukert  from RDG Planning and Design in Omaha to come up with a redesign for the bridge.  The group will be sharing the plan with the public at a meeting on Wednesday, February 27 at 6:30 PM at the Iowa City Public Library, room A.   Cycling supporters are invited to join the discussion and learn what they can do to promote the plan with city leaders.

Think Bicycles is a coalition of businesses and non-profit organizations joined together for the common purpose of promoting cycling in Johnson County.