AMATS needs your help for the 2020 Bike-N-Brainstorm season. Our agency is seeking communities to join us in planning and hosting Bike-N-Brainstorms throughout the Greater Akron area during the upcoming riding season.
What is a Bike-N-Brainstorm?
A Bike-N-Brainstorm is an active public meeting, which includes a bike ride and brainstorming session to receive feedback on how to improve biking in a local community. These events offer participants a chance to explore existing cycling opportunities in a social setting. They also provide cyclists with opportunities to share their insights with civic leaders on how to improve cycling access and the overall cycling experience along routes within select communities.
AMATS developed Bike-N-Brainstorms – or “B-N-Bs” – in 2012 as a public outreach tool. More than 500 bicyclists have participated in 12 B-N-Bs between 2012 and 2019. AMATS continues to partner with area communities to encourage the development of bicycle infrastructure.
Why Host a Bike-N-Brainstorm?
AMATS and its member communities rely on Bike-N-Brainstorms as a planning resource to improve the region’s cycling network of on-road facilities and dedicated trails. Information gathered during these rides helps the agency and communities pursue connectivity principles through the AMATS Connecting Communities Program. B-N-Bs are easy and inexpensive to coordinate and provide planners with useful feedback.
“These events help promote cycling as a safe, viable transportation option throughout the Greater Akron area, which is a stated goal of our new 2019 Active Transportation Plan. They are also a great way to showcase a community to the public,” AMATS Director Curtis Baker explains.
Akron, Barberton, Green, Hudson, Kent, Mantua, Ravenna, Springfield Township and Tallmadge have hosted successful events in the last several years. Many of these communities have incorporated information from their respective rides into their grant applications to the agency’s Connecting Communities Program.
How do I Plan a Bike-N-Brainstorm? Bike-N-Brainstorms are scheduled throughout the prime riding season of April through October. AMATS needs volunteers to help organize this year’s events and to lead rides throughout the Greater Akron area. If your community is interested in hosting a B-N-B or if you know of an organization that would be interested in participating, please contact AMATS at 330-375-2436.