(by Bruce Henderson, The Charlotte Observer)

Sustain Charlotte has launched a campaign to connect the Irwin Creek and Little Sugar Creek greenways with a protected bike lane through uptown.

The on-street lanes would be separated from traffic by curbs, planters, parked cars or posts. They’re gaining interest across the U.S., with more than 200 installed, but haven’t been built yet in Charlotte.

Sustain Charlotte, a nonprofit group that advocates for healthy communities, announced thecampaign at a Thursday night event on transportation. Mayor Jennifer Roberts addressed the gathering.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had a city council more excited about it,” said Jordan Moore, the group’s bicycle program director. “I really do think momentum is growing.”