The town of Blacksburg is hoping someday soon, to be labeled as a "Bicycle Friendly Community." That means making commutes safer and easier for cyclists.
At the new Campus Automotive in Blacksburg, business was so good, the owner needed more space. Along with the relocation, came strict town ordinances, including placing a bike rack on site. Business manager, Jessica Lewandowski, said of the bike rack rule, "I think a lot of businesses see it as an unnecessary feature but Blacksburg is very pedestrian friendly."
Employees from Campus Automotive said the forty year old town ordinance, that new business construction include a bike rack, even at a car repair shop, makes no sense.
Andrew Warren is Blacksburg's zoning administrator, here's the explanation for the so-called "bike rack rule."
"For any new development where off street parking is required', said Warren, 'a bike rack has been required. And this is something that has been very important for the town to promote cycling around town."
For some who don't own a business, adding a bike rack may seem like no big deal, but to many business owners, that bike rack, is just one more expense.
