The city officially opened the state’s first bicycle boulevard on April 17.
Congressman Mike McIntyre, Mayor Bill Saffo and other local dignitaries were on hand for the event which included music, games and bicycle safety educational activities.
A bicycle boulevard is a roadway with features that make it more bicycle-friendly. In contrast to other roadways with both cars and bikes, bicycle boulevards are designed to give priority to cyclists in some areas instead of cars. They are designed to encourage bike usage as an alternative to gas-burning cars.
This phase of the boulevard includes an improved pedestrian and bicycle crossing at 3rd Street and special road markings and signage. The next phase of the project will include an improved pedestrian and bicycle crossing at 5th Avenue. The boulevard will eventually extend across 16th and 17th streets to the Ardmore and Carolina Place neighborhoods and the River to the Sea Bikeway to Wrightsville Beach.
Work on the initial $76,500 phase began in early March. The next phase will be funded by a state grant. Work will begin on this phase in July 2010.
Learn more about the Ann St. Bicycle Boulevard.
Download a map and brochure about the Ann Street Bicycle Boulevard.
Learn more about bike and pedestrian facilities.