The street that could

The Better Block BR event last weekend saw an impressive turnout, and despite rain shutting down the second day of the event, the sense of accomplishment was already there. Saturday saw between 1,500 and 2,000 attendees, according to organizers, and guest appearances from Mayor Kip Holden and his caravan of cyclists for the Mayor’s Family Bike Day.

In fact, the bike-ability of Mid City and Government Street seemed to be on everyone’s minds as they checked out Better Block BR’s centerpiece, a bright green bike lane (seen at right) sharing the roadway along a few blocks of Government. Everyone seemed eager to try it out. Over at 225’s table in the Information Lounge, most of our visitors told us they had biked to the event that day.

We’re hoping local leaders take this successful event as a sign that Baton Rouge is ready for a complete street model—one that will turn Government Street into a destination accessible to everyone.

225 asked a few locals who attended what they thought of the event and what they would like to see on Government Street. See their responses below, and check out some pictures from the event here.