Norfolk Bicycle Infrastructure could reduce collisions with cars

Last week, the city of Norfolk unveiled its Bicycle and Pedestrian Strategic Plan, which outlines a proposed network of bicycle lanes and pedestrian routes across the city.  The new bicycle infrastructure would consist of 12 “corridors” of connected bike lanes and walkways linking popular parts of the Norfolk, including the oceanfront, Old Dominion University and downtown.  If put into action, the Strategic plan would cost the city an estimated $17 million.

The city of Norfolk is eager to lure young professionals to the area, and this drives the new Bicycle and Pedestrian Strategic Plan.  Millennials value a more walkable and bike-friendly urban setting, and the city of Norfolk values the increased tax revenue that comes with a larger middle class population.

“We’re putting the sexy back in being downtown,” Norfolk’s Planning Director George Homewood told the Virginian-Pilot.

The specific routes in the plan come in large part from input from local cyclists.  One told the Pilot that he hoped the new plan would cut down on accidents between bicycles and motor vehicles.

According to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles records, in 2013 there were 45 traffic accidents with cyclist in Norfolk. Every one of these cycling accidents resulted in injury.

If you have been hit by a car while riding a bicycle, speak with a Norfolk personal injury attorney right away.