Sustainability Now! | Chris Butz | Bike Louisville | 4-15-24

Forward Radio podcasts

On this week’s program, your host, Justin Mog, hops on his trusty two-wheeled steed for a conversation about bicycling in Louisville with Chris Butz who joined Louisville Metro Public Works Transportation Division as a Transportation Planner II in 2023. Chris began his career in land use planning for Hardin County (KY) while finishing his master’s degree in urban planning at UofL. After earning his degree, Chris took on a new role at TARC, where he developed a passion for transportation planning. As a Louisville native and avid cyclist, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position managing Bike Louisville, the city's bike and scooter program. His work focuses on bike infrastructure improvements, cycling education, and growing Louisville’s urban bike network. Learn more at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/bike-louisville Listen in as we discuss: • The revival of the Bike Louisville program (including a newsletter relaunch and website update) • Bike to Work Day coming up on Friday, May 17th (https://louisvilleky.gov/government/bike-louisville/bike-work-day-2024). There will be four meet-and-ride locations departing at 7:30am for 4th Street Live! for coffee, donuts, and raffle prizes. Meet back at 4th Street Live! at 5:30pm for return rides. Register at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/ba56e134432641f89f4c23728d47b6ed • New bike facilities on Lexington Rd/Liberty (from Payne to Wenzel) and on Ellison in Germantown. • The Bike Implementation Plan: Bike Louisville Public Works and Office of Planning partnering to produce a planning study of Louisville’s existing bike network and prioritize quick, implementable improvements for better connectivity and low stress facilities that encourage more people to bike. The first virtual kick off and community engagement meeting will be held Monday April 15, 6-7:30pm, it will be fully public. Those interested can find a link to the event on Bike Louisville’s webpage. • Main Remade: In March, KYTC held a public meeting on planned improvements. Phase 1: convert Main St from one-way to two-way between Wenzel & 2nd St. with upgrades to crosswalks and intersections, a protected bike lane, dedicated left-turn lanes, and new traffic signals. Phase 1 to begin as soon as late 2024. Learn more at http://MainRemade.com • Goals for the Future: - Improved maintenance for existing network (refreshing striping/markings/signage) - Expanding network with more protected bike lanes and shared use paths along major arterials - Increasing bike parking (50 bike racks per year to be installed), - Providing more community events, safety and education initiatives, continuing and expanding community partnerships to provide bike services to new bikers or underserved communities - E-bike rebate pilot program As always, our feature is followed by your community action calendar for the week, so get your calendars out and get ready to take action for sustainability NOW! Sustainability Now! is hosted by Dr. Justin Mog and airs on Forward Radio, 106.5fm, WFMP-LP Louisville, every Monday at 6pm and repeats Tuesdays at 12am and 10am. Find us at http://forwardradio.org The music in this podcast is courtesy of the local band Appalatin and is used by permission. Explore their delightful music at http://appalatin.com