“Initially, we had a lot of community support for that project,” Sule says about plans for an unpaved trail near Asheville Middle School. “I think as it started to get nearer toward actually getting funded and approved in an easement, some [people] came up and opposed that project.”
Asheville on Bikes has recently drawn attention for its successful advocacy at City Hall, but it’s just one of many community organizations that seek to pull the levers of political power in Asheville. Xpress spoke to several of these groups to learn more about how they pursue their agendas.
Interest in cycling has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but funding for bike-friendly roads faces an uphill battle, both in Asheville and across the state.
If City Council votes to approve the proposed Charlotte Street Improvement Project, the road would be cut from four car lanes to three, making room for dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian improvements. Should Council approve the plan, bidding for construction is projected to begin this winter, with construction to start next spring or summer and finish by fall.
In addition to offering a chance to party among bike enthusiasts, Bike Love highlights the 2016 accomplishments of local nonprofit Asheville on Bikes and enumerates goals for 2017. Salvage Station hosts the gathering on Saturday, Feb. 18.
Asheville City Council weighed concerns about private property rights, environmental impact, equitable access to public lands and “selfies with bears” before authorizing the Parks & Recreation Department to move forward on soliciting bids for the construction of the Beaucatcher Greenway.
Who knew that heartbreak could be so good for the local cycling scene? Back in 2005, bike advocacy helped Mike Sule distract himself from the heartache of a tough breakup. Since then, however, Asheville on Bikes, the organization he subsequently founded, has become a well-known advocate on both local and state-level transportation issues. In support […]
“Asheville on Bikes has always been about people,” says director Mike Sule, calling the organization’s events friendly and festive. Upcoming fundraiser Beers for Gears will fund more advocacy efforts at city and state levels.
Throwing a birthday party to celebrate eight years of activism certainly fits the bill for Asheville on Bikes, whose official mission is to “cultivate the culture of urban and commuter cycling through advocacy & celebration.” Accordingly, Beer and Bites for Bikes, scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 3 at The Market Place, offers an open invitation to […]
