By Patrick McGilvray

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) - When light rail was installed 23 years ago on the K Street Mall in Sacramento bicyclists were prohibited from riding down the pedestrian mall. Many critics of the city have long pointed out the need for more pedestrian traffic on the mall to help the sometimes nice, but often grungy and scary area.

“Creating greater connectivity for all modes of transportation continues to be a top priority in maintaining a safe and reliable multi-modal transportation system for the City and the region. This is another important accomplishment toward that priority,” said Jerry Way, transportation department director.

Bicyclists across Sacramento, including yours truly, are now infinitely safer because they don't have to try to navigate the hellacious J Street or L Street thouroughfares as much as before. Bikes are still not allowed on in the Westfield Plaza, but that is for obvious pedestrian safety reasons. The fact that K is now open to bikes between 2nd and 4th Streets and 7th to 13th street is good for everybody who cares about Sacramento and the hopefully-great-someday K Street Mall.

Story sponsored by Sacramento real estate broker www.TheHomeBuyingCenter.com.