"A strong biking community, but no where to ride," that's how cyclists describe the city they call home.
"It`s an enormous problem. I don`t think the city is unwilling to do it there`s a lot on the plate. There`s a lot of needs and wants that citizens have," Paul Flannigan, the owner of Bicycle Works told NewsChannel 3.
But the city is proving his point, and taking action to make people more bike-friendly.
City officials say they don't have a definite plan on what exactly they're going to do, but they have signed a contract with Toole Design Group, the same group that designed bike paths around D.C.
In the great scheme of things, I appreciate they`re even making any strides. It`s not something that`s making them tax revenue but I know as well as you do it`s a good thing to keep a healthy environment," cyclist, Paul OKeefe said.
So far, city officials have set up a series of meetings this month, and are asking people to share their current biking and walking routes. They also want suggestions for future trails.
They're also using a wikimap so people can plug in where they'd like to see trails.
I think taking that approach to say where do people want to use their bikes what kind of routes and corridors should be taken into account, but it has to be in conjunction with saying that cyclists are allowed on the road period," Flannigan said.
Cyclists admit, the awareness of where they can ride on roads needs to be clearer, for both drivers and bikers.
"There`s a lot of drivers who have no idea what the rights of a cyclist are and there are lots of cyclists who also aren`t very sure so I think education is going to be the first step and that`s going to," another biker, Shannon Castle said.
You can attend one of the following public meetings:
- Wednesday, October 15, 2014 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Park Place Community Center, 606 W. 29th Street, Norfolk.
- Thursday, October 16, 2014 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Tarrallton Community Center, 2100 Tarrallton Drive, Norfolk.
- Wednesday, October 22, 2014 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Southside Aquatic Center, 1750 Campostella Road, Norfolk.
