“It’s a huge win for the community,” Heck said.
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More communities are trying to address walking and cycling as modes of transportation, Heck said. Bike rack availability is key for development, especially in the downtown, he said.
“It’s important that we continue to create a destination spot for people in downtown,” Heck said.
The racks are located in areas that could attracts cyclists, Heck said. They include several double- and triple-inverted U-style racks, he said.
“It provides more access to cyclists,” Heck said.
Several other cycling projects have been completed in recent years, including the Little Miami Trail extension, two bicycle repair stations, bicycle road markings downtown and a stairway leading from the bike path to the businesses on Home Road.
Last year, the city drafted a plan to increase bicycle use in Springfield, seeking to boost tourism and promote alternative transportation. The Springfield Bike Plan calls for creating an advisory committee, a complete streets policy, a Share the Road campaign and better enforcement of cycling and traffic laws — and adding more bike racks throughout Springfield.
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The number of bike racks in the city has increased from about 20 in 2014 to more than 150 this year.
“It moves us toward that goal of having more bike amenities, but it doesn’t complete that goal,” Heck said.
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