The Green Lane Project, established in 2012 by non-profit group PeopleForBikes, continues its ambitious mission to expedite the process of building more protected bike lines with six new U.S. cities in tow: Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Seattle.

The program celebrated its national kickoff in Indianapolis today with transportation officials including U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, who discussed the Department's prioritization on improving bicycle and pedestrian safety as more Americans are looking for alternative methods of commuting.

Back in March, the program selected the six cities out of 100 that submitted letters of interest. In addressing each city's current situation, The Green Lane Project will provide each city with financial, strategic, and technical assistance in constructing the bike lanes, which are valued at more than $250,000. The on-street lanes are separated from traffic by curbs, planters, parked cars, or posts to help organize the street.

According to PeopleForBikes Vice President of Local Innovation Martha Roskowski, the number of protected bike lanes built through The Green Lane Project has doubled in the past two years. That number can potentially increase as more cities begin to see that improving bike infrastructure could help local communities have less stressful roads, attract new businesses, and last but not least, encourage more physical activity.

The Green Lane Project's website will continue to provide updates on each city's progress as well as invite other interested cities to share their own plans and progress in this ongoing national bike-lane movement.

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