The city’s 2011 Bike Plan open house Thursday was so well attended that by 7 p.m., there was no available space to lock up a bike at City Hall.

Almost 250 people, some in cycling jerseys and toting helmets, came out to express their desires and concerns to planners, including Dallas Bike Coordinator Max Kalhammer and Toole Design Group, the consulting firm that is putting the plan together.

The general consensus was that the city needs more bike lanes. The city has a nice trail system, but it’s not always logical for commuting.

Cyclists also suggested that the Katy Trail should connect to Spring Valley and across Beltline. And many pointed out that cycling in the North Park area is dangerous.

Peter Lagerwey, Toole’s senior designer, gave some 30 examples of bike system elements that work well in other cities. But to make a bike system work in Dallas, it has to be formulated based on the needs of cyclists here. The 2011 Bike Plan has a website with an interactive map and survey, where Dallas residents can make suggestions for the plan through June 30, when Toole and city staff will start putting the ideas together for a preliminary plan.