The guys behind Bike Friendly Knox-Henderson have nifty new stickers with their logo and a plan to create some peace between cars and bikes in East Dallas and Uptown.
They’re seeking businesses along Henderson and Knox that will offer perks to anyone who arrives by bicycle — for example, a free basket of fries or 10 percent off of a purchase.
"It saves on parking, and it saves on emissions," says Boris Palchik, one of the group’s founders. "And it’s a draw for the businesses. If you see a bike rack full of bikes outside, you’re going to think it’s hip and local and green."
They’ve got a few retailers on board, but they haven’t worked out the details yet. Their first sponsor is Daltex Handmade Bicycles, which is offering $100 off to anyone who is a "fan" of the club on Facebook.
They’re planning a big weekend group ride, probably in March. And they want to start an occasional commuter pool so that people who live in East Dallas and Uptown can commute downtown by bike more safely.
Ilan Jenkins, another of the group’s founders, lives in East Dallas, and even though he loves to ride bikes, he says he’s only commuted to work downtown once or twice. It’s too dangerous to commute regularly on Dallas streets, he says.
That’s part of the reason the club wants to eventually hold a competition to redesign Henderson Avenue in a bike-friendly way.
"Our mission is to make different modes of getting around Dallas feel comfortable and safe," says co-founder Ross Cravens.
