Today's picture: Scott Render is one of the people keeping Louisville's Bike Plan moving forward. If you haven't been keeping up with the Metro's efforts to become more bike-friendly, take a look at www.bikelouisville.com, one of the many Websites Scott handles in addition to his other duties in Mayor Jerry Abramson's office.
One reason I really hit it off with Scott: he rides a bike to work in all kinds of weather.
Today' blog post will start out as sort of a restaurant review of The Bodega at Felice on East Market St. Last Friday I had the pleasure of lunch at a table of people there, all dedicated to improving the bicycling experience on Louisville Metro streets: Nina Walfoort with TARC; Andy Murphy, a serious cycling advocate and volunteer who worked on the Bike Summit back in February; Rolf Eisinger; a Metro employee and bike racer who wears a lot of hats these days; Trisha Finnegan, a Humana associate involved in the bike sharing movement known as Freewheelin; Tom Armstrong, a bike mechanic, advocate, fellow blogger, and Kilt wearer; and Scott, whom I've already introduced. We're all involved on the Education and Encouragement "E-Team" that's working on a Louisville Bike Plan.
Back to my restaurant review: The Bodega's Mediterranean salad with chicken was one of the best things I've ever had for lunch, anywhere. But what impressed me most was the bicycle rack out at the edge of the parking lot. It probably will hold a dozen bikes. I think the restaurant only spent about $35 for it. But the rack demonstrates something smart and forward-thinking about the restaurant's owners and managers. It's amazing what a even the cheapest bike rack can do to improve my view of any business. It makes me want to recommend the place to everyone I know. Ride to The Bodega, try the bike rack and see if you don't agree that's one incredible Mediterranean salad with chicken!
Over lunch, our group talked about things like bicycle parking that tend to encourage cycling instead of motoring to Metro destinations like The Bodega. Just something to think about next time you're considering a place to eat, shop, or whatever.
PS: Remember, every lane is a bike lane. Share the road.
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bikecommuter