The Blanco Blue Bike Project took a poll to assess the project and where to go from here. All interviews were published and inspired by the information received. The Blue Bike Project has been addressing bike infrastructure in Blanco, focusing on bicyclist and vehicle safety. For months we have been addressing bike paths, bike racks/city council approval, bike mechanics, bike shop location, bike baskets for day shoppers, maps for bicyclists, signage for Blue Bike Project, rack cards for tourism, and the blancobluebike.com website.

Bike Paths

Thanks to Martha Gosnell, who spearheaded the $10,000 grant that was recently awarded to Blanco. This grant will initiate engineering efforts that will plan the paths. That is just the start of the process of another grant, which will be needed to build them. With the efforts of Blanco citizens like Martha, Blanco is creating a safe place for both bikers and four-wheelers. Thank you Martha for your contributions.

I believe Blanco is bike-friendly and I ride many streets The Blanco Blue Bike Project has received some international exposure now and has further opened the gate for visitors. With the events that are unfolding, do you think we currently have the infrastructure to support bike riders? It is coming whether or not we are ready.

Bike Racks

A recent conversation with a newfound hero–Cliff Gardner–inspired us and the bike rack situation is in good hands! Cliff is the superintendent for B.I.S.D. and is a supporter of the Blue Bike Project. He and his wife are avid bikers and embrace the Blue Bikes! Yeah, Cliff! 14 bike racks are on the way, and he will do everything in his power to help.

In the meantime, city council will need to approve the bike racks so when they arrive they can be placed.

Thank you, Cliff and City Council!

Bike Mechanics

Bike donations continues to be dropped off at Blanco’s Blue Bike collection site at 2nd Street and Cherry–uptown a couple of blocks. We have collected over 50 bikes. Jeff Renard has repaired over 35 and we need more bike mechanics. I am currently recruiting mechanics from everywhere and planning a Bike Repair Workshop. Bike mechanics, if you’re interested in learning, please contact: Carrie, P.O. Box 741, Blanco, TX 78606.

Bike Shop Location

Our collection site at 2nd and Cherry is not conducive to youth nor group repair workshops. Also, our bikes are being thrown in piles so the city can accommodate other things. We cherish our bikes and would like to have them more organized and available for many to come in and learn bike repair. If anyone has a location for the Blue Bike Project, please contact Carrie. A big thank you to Bobby Mack and Ron Houston and everyone who helped secure our current bike collection space.

We value the space and, as you know, need something much bigger and more organized.

Cynthia Tenney from Ashville, N.C., has donated a hand woven bike basket for the Blue BIke Project to rent. Soon you will find a basket available at Real Foods for day shoppers. (Those of you who truck in and run bike errands.)

Thank you to Cynthia and in-town bikers.

Bike Maps/Signage/Rack Cards

I am creating bike path maps to be printed on rack cards for tourists and all of us. As soon as we have the information for this, they will be available. In the meantime, there is a Blanco Blue Bike laminated sign on the bike racks, the courthouse, the Blanco County News and the Chamber of Commerce to help with awareness of the project.

www.blancobluebike.com

Sherri Stockman has sponsored and hosted the website for the project since its conception. We are updating the site and hope everyone enjoys the "ride." Sherri's website is one of the highest ranking sites for Blanco and we are blessed to have her help!

We will be linking all the folks who have sponsored or participated in the evolution of The Blanco Blue Bikes: Sta-Bilt Hardware, KIMS Printing, Real Foods, Blanco County News. Read next week’s Blanco Blue Bike article in the BC News for more to come!

Any comments? Please contact me: Carrie Fellows, P.O. Box 741, Blanco, TX 78606.