Cycling in relative isolation; is that at all possible?

Phoenix is one of the first handful of cities nationwide to get bike share. But experts are scratching their heads at this step toward bicycle friendliness because it’s happening in relative isolation. If the city isn’t bicycle friendly on the whole, how successful will a bike share program be? “It’s only when bicycles are coupled with safe and more ubiquitous biking facilities that bike share is likely to get a large following,” warns walkability expert, architect and urban planner Jeff Speck. But you have to start somewhere and even including bicycle infrastructure. The key is to begin to change the car culture in the city, which is starkly reflected in the Department of Transportation and to take steps to promote bicycling on the roads of Phoenix. Reasons for cycling for Phoenix: 1. Bikeways make places more valuable 2. Bikeways help companies attract talent 3. Bike commuters are healthier and more productive. 4. Bike facilities increase retail stores’ visibility and sales. 5. Bicycling saves a city money. 6. It reduces congestion and therefore reduces the need for more freeways. 7. Bicycling saves in health related costs. Read more here.