Struggling Cities Could Become Bike Utopias

As some cities in the Rust Belt depopulate, they present opportunities to develop into new bike utopias. This op-ed from The New York Times argues Detroit is a perfect example.

1 minute read

July 7, 2009, 6:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

Cyclist Toby Barlow says the shrinking city of Detroit is an ideal candidate for conversion to a biking city. Fewer people means fewer cars on the roads, creating a safer place to bike.

"While bike enthusiasts in most urban areas continue to have to fight for their place on the streets, Detroit has the potential to become a new bicycle utopia. It's a town just waiting to be taken. With well less than half its peak population, and free of anything resembling a hill, the city and its miles and miles of streets lie open and empty, beckoning. And lately, whether it's because of the economy or the price of gas or just because it's a nice thing to do, there are a lot more bikers out riding."

FULL STORY: Bike Among the Ruins

Saturday, July 4, 2009 in The New York Times

Land Use Transportation Michigan Bicycle Planning Bicycling Detroit View More

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