The Taste of Springfield food festival drew “thousands” downtown yesterday. A few of them arrived on bicycles– enough to fill the few sets of wave racks in the festival area.
My daughter and I were two of those who rode into downtown for the festival. We parked at the rack above. It’s on Patton Alley a half block north of Walnut Street. That’s my Redline R530 in the back. My wife joined us later in the afternoon, also arriving by bicycle, to enjoy an early dinner on the outdoor patio at Bailey’s.
Cycling into downtown simply made the whole experience much more pleasant. A car creates needless tension and expense even before you arrive. Yes, Springfield now boasts 6,000 downtown parking spaces. I don’t consider that a good thing (especially if 6,000 cars actually show up on a given evening).
Springfield could decide to begin promoting cycling and walking into downtown as way to further enjoy the local restaurants, art galleries, and entertainment venues. Start with a 2-mile radius. Encourage anyone living in that circle to give it a try. Publish suggested routes (that would include several miles of bike routes, dedicated bike trails, and bike lanes already in place).
There’s one other important feature to promote: Drivers downtown are remarkably tolerant and respectful of cyclists. I have always found it a safe place to ride.