Why Bike Lanes Build Stronger Cities
Bike lanes aren't just about bikes. They're about what kind of city we want to live in. Bike lanes make Medford a destination and not place you just drive through.
A Forbes article by Scott Corwin makes the case that mobility is one of the most important factors in building an inclusive and sustainable town. When people can get around safely and affordably, everything else follows: jobs, health, community, and even tourism.
Protected bike lanes are one of the simplest ways to make that happen. They give people a low-cost, reliable way to move through their city without needing a car.
The Numbers Back It Up
Investing in cycling infrastructure creates 11 to 14 jobs per $1 million spent, compared to just 7 jobs for the same money spent on highways. Cities that build better bike infrastructure see increased retail sales, higher commercial rents, and more foot traffic downtown.
Medford invested $500,000 in protected lanes on Main Street, which only cost the city $40,000! Tearing them out will cost $1 million. That's $1.5 million that could have gone toward making our city work better for everyone. We could be building more bike lines that contribute to our downtown!
This Is About Medford
The city council voted to remove our bike lanes in a split decision that required the mayor's tiebreaker. A lot of people in this community disagree with that call. 17 showed up to the last council meeting to say so. Downtown businesses are pushing back too.
If you think Medford deserves better, let city council know.