(Collins and Abram – a Typical street in Arlington)

After years of developing a dangerous, high-speed road network that was cold, desolate and uninviting to pedestrians, bicyclists, children, or elders, Arlington has finally decided to move forward with an impressive bike plan that looks to fundamentally change the road network into one that will make the city a shining example of how a large suburb can embrace multi-modalism while increasing safety for families.  We’ve already seen how economics has increased in cities that have developed “road diets” and created a greater focus on the pedestrian experience, so Arlington’s development holds great promise for what can be:

That’s not to say there isn’t any opposition. Buddy Saunders, owner of Lone Star Comics, is leading a one-man crusade to keep the existing high-speed, deadly infrastructure in place…ironic since you would think a comic store would want its largest demographic to have regular access to their products. In Arlington, like most other cities in America a full fifty percent of the population does not drive a car. They are either too young, too old, disabled, underprivileged or simply choose to not drive. Additionally, Arlington is the largest City in the United States without regular public transportation. So the bicycle is the alternative transportation resource for many residents.

Arlington is embarking on a bicycle master plan and a thoroughfare plan that have the potential to begin to reverse the dominance of the automobile in street right of way and move Arlington toward being a safer place for all users of the street. A place that families will feel comfortable riding together. Stay abreast of the planning effort here and BFOC encourages the residents of Arlington to stay vigilant in their promotion of bicycle friendly infrastructure. Compromising and leaving bicycle amenities out of roadway plans, standards and policies will not result in a safer place.The voice of a minority of business owners should be approached with an understanding of the benefits of bicycle infrastrucutre to their financial bottom line. The OC now has over 30 businesses participating in the Bike Friendly Oak Cliff discount program. These businesses offer a range of discounts to bike riders and in-turn they contribute to the momentum to use the bike for utilitarian trips and reduce the merchants need for parking. And guess what, bike riders stay longer at businesses and spend more! Our hope is to see Lone Star Comics come around to the benefits of being a bike friendly business. One that supports streets made safe for families and active transportation that reduces fossil fuel dependency and improves public health. Hey even Batman and Robin know the benefits of biking means more eyes on the street and a safer place for all good citizens!