April 9, 2009

Dear Metro Council members, business leaders and cyclists:

For the past two years, there has been a national buzz about Louisville as a city redefining itself — a city of great arts and culture, a city of sports, a city of parks, a city that is an affordable and exciting place to live. This has not happened by accident.

We’ve devoted special efforts to make our city more attractive to young professionals, a key, educated demographic that keeps cities vibrant. It’s why we’ve invested in downtown — and it’s why, during the last three years, we’ve strived to make our city more bicycle friendly.

Part of that strategy has included discussions of building a downtown transit center that could bring together, all under one roof, major bus lines, a cab stand and car rentals. It could also serve as a cycling center for commuters, causal riders and tourists who want to explore downtown, bike the Louisville Loop to Southwest Louisville or cycle into neighborhoods like Old Louisville to view the spectacular Victorian architecture. The center could also include space for a coffee shop, a restaurant and small retail stores.

This truly would be a transit center, not just a bike station. And it would continue our effort to make our city “go green” and encourage alternative transportation.

Two weeks ago, the project moved from an idea to a reality, when our local metropolitan planning agency, KIPDA, allocated $1.8 million in federal stimulus dollars to help build the facility.

We initially thought that federal regulations required us to bid the project within 90 to 120 days and have it constructed and completed within two years. KIPDA has since informed us that the project must be ready to go to bid by March 2010 and must be completed in three years.

This gives us more time to plan and design the center — to determine how to make it economically sustainable — and I need your input. We will be reaching out to cyclers, tourists, downtown business leaders, citizens and Metro Council members as we develop a business plan for operations. We will seek corporate backing to make this a public-private investment. I’ve already had discussions with one major company that is interested.

Progressive ideas and strategic investments are helping Louisville keep our best and brightest and attract new companies and people to our city. Promoting cycling and healthier lifestyles are good examples.

We now have 40 miles of dedicated bike lanes in Louisville; we’re building a 100-mile trail around the city called Louisville Loop; we have twice annual Hike and Bike that attract thousands of people; and Bicycling Magazine named us one of the nations’ three most improved cities for cycling.

Louisville must be smart, bold and forward thinking on transportation investments. I look forward to hearing your constructive ideas. Please contact us on the Bike Louisville website by going to: http://www.louisvilleky.gov/BikeLouisville/contactus.htm

Sincerely,

Jerry Abramson