Looks as though US cities and towns are slowly "getting it!" More and more municipalities large and small are seeing how offering a comprehensive network.... Looks as though US cities and towns are slowly "getting it!" More and more municipalities large and small are seeing how offering a comprehensive network of bike paths, especially if combined with public transit, not only offers residents and visitors real freedom of choice in travel while reducing congestion (and the costs associated with providing extensive road infrastructure); they are also finding that cycling improves business and enhance property values.

Here are a few examples from the last few days' news articles:

• Rutherford Bike "Ring" to Connect Community
  Rutherford could be joining the ranks of Amsterdam. Imagine taking a train to Rutherford, grabbing a bike and accessing the entire town, the Meadowlands, the rivers and the sports complex by bicycle. That's what John Hughes of the Green Team imagines. He just applied for assistance from the National Park Services (NPS) to begin a study on the feasibility of the "Rutherford Bike Ring."
  
• Tinley Park to seek funding for bike path down Oak Park Avenue
  The village looked at several options but decided having the path from 179th to 183rd streets and bike lanes on Oak Park Avenue from 179th to the train station were the best way to foster possible development along the road, Connolly told village trustees Tuesday night.
  
• Oak Park tells staff to hop a bike
  "It's a great way to find parking in downtown Oak Park, it's great exercise, and it's amazing what you can see as a public works director when you're riding around on a bike," said Wielebnicki, adding that you can often miss a pothole or dinged up sign when you're zooming by in a car.
  
• On-road bike parking well used
  The DVBA polled its members and 30 volunteered to have the bike racks in front of their business. On Fort Street, 90 per cent of businesses agreed with the idea, despite the fact it takes up a parking stall for vehicles.
  The Fort Street Cafe, situated right in front of the bike rack, is on board.
  "We're open in the evenings so it helps us," said manager Melissa Byrnes.
  "We've noticed that in the evenings a lot of people are riding bikes and using those racks rather than driving and drinking."
  
• Grant lets bike trail plan roll on
  Cincinnati neighborhoods along the Mill Creek, which have been struggling against blight, believe the bike trail will help attract young residents and new businesses. Jeckering said the bike path already has contributed to the revival of Northside, where he has lived for nearly 30 years.
  "It's a catalyst that is bringing young people into the neighborhood to buy homes," Jeckering said. "It's a key asset for an urban neighborhood to have a bike trail along a natural waterway. Hopefully, they'll keep getting money to add to the bike trail."

Just a sampler, but it's refreshing news...maybe we'll end up with real community in our communities one of these days!