The Madison State Street Design Oversight Committee voted unanimously Thursday night to double the number of bike racks along the 100-block of State Street, ending the ongoing problem of parking shortages for downtown bicyclists.
According to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, there were approximately 30 parking spaces for bicycles along the top of state street before the Phase I construction of the street began. After the construction was completed this past September, he said there were approximately 45 spaces, which were not enough. After tonight's vote, the city will make spaces for approximately 88 bicycles to park.
\We did this because we heard from a number of bicyclists who were disappointed that the State Street project did not include more bicycle racks as promised,"" Verveer said. ""The expectations were fairly great that we finally ended the long-time shortage of bicycle parking on State Street.""
Verveer said this vote was important because it sets a precedent for future State Street redesign phases, including Phase II which is slated to begin this summer.
The committee also talked about aspects of the Phase II redesign, although Verveer said there was no final action taken.
