Ferguson Pilot B.I.K.E.* Project
* Bicycling Is Kind to the Environment
Promoting Bicycling Transportation
Created August 2001; Updated May 13, 2006
The Ferguson B.I.K.E. Project is supported by a Federal Highways Administration grant, with local funding and sponsorship by the City of Ferguson. The aim is to encourage bicycling in place of car trips within the study area, a circle of roughly 10 mile radius centered on Ferguson, an area of over 300 square miles.
A core part of the project, which sets it apart from anything else in the St. Louis metro area, is vehicular bicycling education classes, based on the League of American Bicyclists Road I curriculum. The aim is to provide class participants with the knowledge and expertise to ride safely and proficiently in the bicycle's natural environment: the road system.
Previously, the classes were offered at a reduced fee to Ferguson residents and students/staff/faculty at UMSL [University of Missouri, St. Louis], with which Ferguson is partnering. Non-residents could participate for a $55 fee. For this final year of the project, classes are being offered to all adults in the metro St. Louis area at no charge. Furthermore, as inducements, those completing the course will receive safety accessories, such as toe clips, lights, and locks.
Click here to learn more about Bicycling Education Classes and how to enroll.
For qualifying Ferguson residents, we are also hoping to combine the Bicycling Education Classes with a free Bicycle Loaner Program, another first for the metropolitan area. Please check out this ad. from the May, 2006, Ferguson Times: BIKE loaner program
In addition to the classes, improved bicycle parking is planned both on the UMSL campus and within the City of Ferguson. Bicycle racks have already been delivered and it is hoped that installation will start fairly soon.