Bikes Belong recently launched the Green Lane Project, a new effort to help qualified U.S. cities to build world-class networks of bicycling facilities. The Green Lane Project will select six cities by the end of March and facilitate a partnership with each, providing resources and technical assistance, while expanding the knowledge base about innovative new bicycling designs.

The campaign will build upon the National Association of City Transportation Officials Urban Bikeway Design Guide and models from European cities using state-of-the-art solutions to develop streets that are safe and enjoyable for bicyclists. These designated lanes for bicyclists used in Europe are also referred to as cycle tracks or protected lanes. They are new to the U.S, with a handful of major cities, including Chicago and New York, actively working to make their streets quicker, safer and easier to get around while using less energy. Interested cities may fill out an application by March 9th.

“The Green Lane Project is building on current momentum, as more and more cities are exploring these improvements,” said Martha Roskowski, director of the Green Lane Project. “City leaders are taking action to make space for people on bikes on their streets. We encourage all interested cities to apply and look forward to helping transform streets so people of all ages are more comfortable riding bikes.

The Green Lane Project will work with six cites that are poised to make significant progress, and that have a plan in place that is supported by elected officials, city staff and the community,” continued Roskowski. “We want to work with different sized cities from various regions across the country.”

The SRAM Cycling Fund and the Bikes Belong Foundation provide core funding for the project with additional foundation support being actively recruited.

For more information on the Green Lane Project, watch the video here.