Austin Mayor Steve Adler (left) and Transportation Department Director Rob Spillar announce Austin is one of 10 cities nationally to be named to the "Big Jump" project that aims to increase bicycle ridership. Austin Mayor Steve Adler (left) and Transportation Department Director Rob Spillar announce Austin is one of 10 cities nationally to be named to the "Big Jump" project that aims to increase bicycle ridership.[/caption]

Austin is slated to get some help in making a “big jump” in the city’s bicycle ridership.

As one of 10 cities selected nationally to participate in the Big Jump Project, Austin will work with PeopleforBikes, a Boulder, Colorado-based organization that aims to encourage bicycle riding in cities. The goal is to increase the number of bicycle riders in the city’s central core.

Mayor Steve Adler made the announcement alongside Austin Transportation Department Director Robert Spillar on Tuesday morning in front of Royal Blue Grocery on Third Street.

“Austin is honored and grateful to be chosen as a ‘Big Jump City’ because it is going to help us implement our bicycle master plan,” Adler said Tuesday morning. “Which calls for not what Austin can do for cycling, but what cycling can do for Austin.”

The project will look to utilize infrastructure, public outreach and education to increase the city’s ridership and enhance the public’s perception of bicycling. The project aims to establish a significant number of safe and comfortable bike routes and connect any new routes to establish a more efficient bike route network. According to Adler, this project will help double the number of bicycle riders in the city’s downtown area.

“Austin continues to pioneer ways in which low-stress bike networks can be planned and implemented,” said PeopleForBikes Director of Local Innovation Kyle Wagenschutz in a statement. “Austin will play a critical role in this project, inspiring other U.S. cities to think more strategically about investing in bicycle transportation.”

The project will require lateral collaboration between community organizations and agencies, the city of Austin, the Downtown Austin Alliance, CapMetro and other health and business organizations.

“The motivational focus and community support provided through the Big Jump Project will help us make biking an even more viable transportation option,” said Spillar in a statement. “Biking is a choice we want to promote for people commuting and making other short trips – one that’s healthy, safe and attractive for them and reduces our city’s traffic congestion, too.”