New bike racks have been installed in downtown Greenville in an effort to provide more consistent, visible, and secure bike parking options while promoting active mobility. The 13 racks are located at six destinations between downtown and the Greenville Town Common. The project was primarily funded by the Greenville ENC Alliance, with additional support from the City of Greenville’s Recreation and Parks and Public Works Departments, the Downtown Greenville Partnership, and the city’s Multimodal Transportation Commission.
According to Dr. Katherine Dale, a data scientist with an interest in transportation, active mobility, and safe streets, a startling 75-80% of the surface area of downtown Greenville is exclusively dedicated to car parking – but options for anyone biking or scootering are substantially more limited.
“Prior to this project, anyone biking to downtown had access to only a handful of sporadic, hard-to-find, difficult-to-use racks,” says Dale, who also serves as the vice chair of the city’s Multimodal Transportation Commission. “It may seem minor, but increasing the number of standardized bike parking options is an important component of making biking a viable transportation option.”
This project represents a special partnership between economic development, business, downtown, and local government leaders, all working toward a common goal.
“We are excited to support projects that contribute to the transformation of our municipal downtown areas,” explained David Horn, director of strategic partnerships for the Greenville ENC Alliance. “As the Greenville ENC Alliance works to bring new capital investment and well-paying jobs to the area, the livability factors sought by diverse, growing families must be part of this equation to attract and keep a quality workforce. These bike racks go a long way toward enhancing the functionality, accessibility, and overall appeal of Downtown Greenville.”
Opting for biking and walking rather than driving has many benefits, including less traffic, decreased noise/air pollution – not to mention it’s just fun.
"We're thrilled to have new bike racks downtown!” says Kyle Parker, executive director of the Downtown Greenville Partnership. “This addition not only enhances the bikeability of our city but also encourages a healthier, more sustainable mode of transportation for everyone."
The 13 racks are installed at Sheppard Memorial Library, the north entrance of the 4th Street parking deck, the corner of 4th and Evans Streets, Backstage Coffee on Greene Street, the Greenville Town Common restrooms, and adjacent to the Town Creek Bridge.
If you have feedback on the project, suggestions for future locations, or further comments about making Greenville more walkable and bikeable, contact Dr. Dale at dalek22@ecu.edu.
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Media Relations Contact:
Maria Satira Director of Marketing and Communications Greenville Eastern North Carolina Alliance satira@encalliance.com 252-414-2875
