Indy Bike Hub Blog

Bicycle Garage Indy is proud to be a sponsor of the the 5th Annual Mayor's Bike Ride.

This year the ride will start at Butler University and highlight the new bike lanes on Illinois Street and Capitol Avenue. Participants will enjoy a casual 10 mile bike ride that will loop back to Butler University.

Bike safety information, children's bike helmets, door prizes, and snacks will be available for participants. FREE T-shirts will be provided to the first 200 participants that register! Shirts will also be available to purchase on the day of the ride.

What: Mayor's Bike Ride

Where: Butler University, 4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46208

When: Saturday, June 1, 2013

Time: Registration/Check-In 9 a.m. Ride Starts 10 a.m.

Complete details and registration at: http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPW/SustainIndy/Bikeways/Pages/Mayor's-Bike-Ride-.aspx

Join Bicycle Indiana for the 2013 National Bike Challenge (NBC). The lead sponsor for the Challenge is Kimberly Clark and it's presented by the League of American Bicyclists. Bicycle Indiana is an authorized organization (AO) and will once again be leading the charge for Indiana.

The National Bike Challenge officially begins on May 1st and will conclude on September 30th, 2013. The Challenge is no-charge to anyone who lives in the U.S. or works for an organization with U.S. employees.

The Bike Challenge records both your transportation/commuting and sport/recreation miles.  Regular commuters can preset their one way distance, and record both rides.  The challenge rewards extra points for transportation/commutting miles and trip; you don't have to ride mega miles to get a high ranking.

Riders are also organized by their place of employment and into self-selected clubs and teams, making the competition even more intersesting for groups and companies.

Join Today! http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/nbc2013

You can join the National Bike Challenge now; activity will be reset to zero on May 1st. If you would like more information about starting a team or registering your business, contact Bicycle Indiana.

- Jay S. Hardcastle

The Greenways Foundation has concerns that there should be a state funded trails maintenance fund. To aid with the growing demand to maintain our valued trail networks, the Greenways Foundation of Indiana proposes the establishment of a Greenways Maintenance Fund at the state level.  This fund would be available to trail management agencies, public and not-for-profit, to provide financial aid in maintaining off-road trails.

To highlight this concern and educate Indiana state legislators on the importance of establishing a trails maintenance fund, the Greenway Foundation has reserved the Atrium at the Statehouse on MONDAY, APRIL 8, FROM 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, to bring these concerns to the attention of the legislators. Refreshments will be served. YOUR PRESENCE IS VITAL. The more people we have the better.

For more information and to notify the Greenways Foundation by email of your availability to attend to lamerekaren@gmail.com.

Show your support for a Trails Maintenance Fund by attending an event at the Statehouse on Monday April 8 and/or by inviting your state legislators to attend.

Event Details:

What: Special Trails Gathering at the Statehouse North Atrium
When: Monday, April 8, 11 am - 2 pm
Where: Indiana Statehouse North Atrium

Bicycle Indiana's statewide bicycle summit, titled "spIN 2013". (Start Pedaling INdiana) happens this week, March 14-16  in Indianapolis. You can find for details and registration (required) on the Bicycle Indiana website.  The summit will take place at the Alexander Hotel, 333 S. Delaware, Indianapolis, IN.

Here is the summit agenda summary:

March 14, 5:30 -7 p.m

• Registration, Welcome, Dinner Groups w/ local hosts

March 15, 8 am -5 pm

• Can your street help you lose weight and save money?
• Economic Impact of Bicycling
• New AASHTO guide for bike infrastructure

March 16, 8 am - noon

• Welcome
• Breakout session topics to include:
• Women's Forums 1 & 2
• Advocacy 101
• Promoting your club, event, organization
• 1 pm  - Let's Go For A Bike Ride!

Bicycle Indiana is the statewide voice of the Indiana bicycling community.  Bicycle Indiana serves all those involved in bicycling by providing information, education, organization, promotion and advocacy.  Bicycle Indiana's offices are located in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA at City Market, 242 E. Market Street, in downtown Indianapolis.  If you are in town for spIN 2013, be sure to visit this unique bicycle parking and fitness facilty.

Indianapolis has come a long way in becoming a nationally recognized bicycling-friendly city. Republican Mayor Greg Ballard has led the charge, turning Indianapolis into a two-wheeled success story in the "rust belt". The progress was strengthened by the coalition of partners behind the Cultural Trail, bike retail, and the advocacy community. 

Each year, the League of American Bicyclists holds the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C.  The event is attended by 800+ of the best and brightest people involved in creating bicycle friendly cities, communities, and states. This year's summit is March 4-6, 2013. You can attend, too. For more information: www.bikeleague.org/conferences/summit13/

During the summit, panelists from Indy will tell their success story.  Other summit attendees want to hear how Indy gathered more than $60 million in Federal, state and local funds, both public and private, for bike improvements. Panelist from Indy will include:
• Indianapolis Major Greg Ballard
• Karen Haley, Indianapolis Cultural Trail
• Connie Szabo Schmucker, Advocacy Director, Bicycle Garage Indy
• Kevin Whited,  IndyCOG

The last time Indy Greenways updated its master plan was in 2003. Much has changed since then. You can be part of the process by participating in public meetings, visiting the project office and taking the Indy Greenways Master Plan Survey.

Indy Parks will be conducting a series of public meetings and workshops for the Greenways Master Plan in late February and early March. There will be one meeting in each township with the purpose of giving residents an opportunity to discuss trail and greenway development opportunities in their specific township.  Indy Greenways has developed a new online survey to provide more opportunities for public input on the Greenways Master Plan.

The survey includes questions concerning the different greenway segments, issues affecting the greenways, and questions about how and where to develop the next trails in the system. The survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/IndyGreenwaysSurvey
Please take a few minutes to give your thoughts!

Details on the plan can be found at http://indygreenwaysmasterplan.wordpress.com/

Bicycle Indiana is Indiana's only statewide organization dedicated to promoting bicycle use, educating all roadway users, and advocating for bicyclists. As a non-profit, Bicycle Indiana relies on donations and fundraising activities such as this Energizing Indiana program.

If your home is more than ten years old, and you haven't had an energy assessment in the past three years, you may qualify for a no-charge assessment from Energize Indiana. If you qualify and schedule with the link below, Bicycle Indiana will receive a $25 donation on your behalf. What a deal!

To see if your home qualifies and to schedule your assessment, visit the GoodCents website here.  (using that link ensures that Bicycle Indiana will receive credit for the referral)

To get a PDF with more information about the program, visit: Home Energy Assessment

To learn about Bicycle Indiana, visit www.bicycleIndiana.org

To support Bicycle Indiana with a direct donation, visit http://bicycleindiana.org/advocate/donate.php

Bicycle Indiana's office's are located in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA @ City Market, 222 East Market St, Suite E101, Indianapolis, IN 46204

The Indy Bike Hub YMCA will be the center of activity for Mayor Ballard's Polar Bear Pedal II, on Saturday January 5, 2013.  Over 600 riders have already registered for this free event!  You can sign up at http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPW/SustainIndy/Bikeways/Pages/Polar-Pedal.aspx.

This will be the second year Mayor Ballard will lead the winter season bicycle ride and we want to make it even bigger. This year the ride will highlight bike lanes and facilities Downtown and on the Southside.  Participants will enjoy a casual 10 mile bike ride that will loop back to the Indy Bike Hub.  

Hot Chocolate will be served at the Hub for returning riders, and a number of Indianapolis City Market Merchant's will be open before and after the ride.  Riders are also encouraged to visit the Winter Famers Market, taking place in the west wing of City Market.  Courtesy bicycle parking before and after the event will be provided by Pedal and Park, and inside the Indy Bike Hub YMCA.

T- Shirts will be available for purchase the day of the ride.

What: Polar Bear Pedal II
Where: Indy Bike Hub, 222 East Market Street
When: Saturday, January 5, 2013
Time: Registration/Check-In 9 a.m. Ride Starts 10 a.m.

Polar Bear Pedal II Sponsors: Presented by Coca-Cola, and the following sponsors:
Bicycle Garage Indy,
NUVO,
Central Indiana Bicycling Association (CIBA),
Sun King Brewing Co, 
24 Hours of Booty, 
Infrastructure Engineering Inc., Big Car.org, Indy Bike Hub YMCA,
Crawford, Murphy, & Tilly Engineering (CMT), 
Green Bean Delivery, 
Pedal and Park, 
Indiana Living Green, and
INDYCOG.

Are you experiencing bicycling withdrawal? The Indy Bike Hub YMCA has the cure! Even if you've put your bike up for the winter, you can still stay active and involved at the Indy Bike Hub YMCA in the City Market building (222 East Market Street in Downtown Indy).

It's the perfect fitness center for the bicycle commuter. During the winter months, you can stay active by taking advantage of the full fitness center with strength  and cardio equipment, yoga and spin classes. We even host a monthly commuter networking event for you to connect with other bicycle commuters. When the weather cooperates, you can commute by bike and park in the secure bicycle parking while you work or visit downtown. With a full Indy Bike Hub YMCA membership, you get the best of both worlds - a fitness center and bike commuting facility.

It gets even better:  Join the Indy Bike Hub YMCA between January 1-16, 2013, and take advantage of our membership promotion with a waived joining fee. If you are already a YMCA member, refer a friend and receive $50 in program credit. Remember, the cold may keep some off the road this winter, but the Indy Bike Hub will do it's best to keep you ON the move year round!

To Join - drop by the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, 222 E. Market St., Ste. E 100, Indianapolis (east wing of City Market) and ask for the membership person.

Join us for our bicycle commuter monthly get togethers!  If you are a cyclists who commutes, if you interested in commuting, if you want to meet others who commute, then this is the event for you.  Each second Wednesday of the month, we will get together at Thomlinson Tap room for drinks, fun and friends.  Let’s talk bikes, commuting and tid bits about bettering your cycle experience.

Our first event will be Wednesday October 10th, from  5:30 pm to 6:30 pm (new time), at the Tomlinson Tap Room, inside the Indianapolis City Market, 222 E. Market St. Indianapolis, IN 46205.

You can watch the Indy Bike Hub.org website and calendar for more details and future events.

On Wednesday, September 12, 2012, representatives and staff of the City of Indianapolis, the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, the DowtownYs,  and Bicycle Garage Indy Downtown, along with Hub members celebrated the 1 year anniversary of the opening of the indy Bike Hub YMCA in the east wing of the Indianapolis City Market.

In the two videos linked below, Karin Ogden, Exectuive Director of the Downtown Ys, and Indianapolis Greg Ballard speak on the impact the Indy Bike Hub YMCA has had on dowtown Indianapolis and its bicycle culture.

Part 1 

Part 2

The celebration also offered bicycle tours by Active Indy Tours, and a workout directed by Y staff on the east market plaza.

If you are interested in reserving a bike for the tours, please visit: www.indybikehub.org/for/hubparty

7:30 – 9 a.m.  
The public is encouraged to ride their bicycles to work for the day (free bike parking will be available all day at the Indy Bike Hub YMCA).
Breakfast – Provided by Bicycle Indiana

9 – 10:30 a.m.
Group ride from the Jordan YMCA to Indy Bike Hub YMCA (Lead by Bicycle Garage Indy)

9:30 – 10 a.m.
Bike ride (lead by YMCA)

10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Mayor Ballard speaks

10:45 – 11:00 a.m.
Cake is cut (by Mayor) and served

11:45 – 12:45 a.m.
Active Indy Tours leads bike ride

12:00 – 1 p.m.
Group Exercise class in East Plaza of the Bike Hub YMCA
 

1 – 2 p.m.
Bike ride on Cultural Trail

2 p.m.
Birthday party events end

Community Invited to Help Celebrate Indy Bike Hub YMCA’s 1st Birthday by Biking & Exercising

One year ago, the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, the City of Indianapolis and Bicycle Garage Indy came together to open the Indy Bike Hub YMCA. On September 12 the Indy Bike Hub YMCA will celebrate its first birthday and a host of activities have been planned. Mayor Greg Ballard, City of Indianapolis, will lead remarks and cut the first piece of birthday cake during a short ceremony at the Bike Hub YMCA beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The City was key in the initial idea of the Bike Hub project by recognizing the need to have this type of facility in Indianapolis to support bicycle commuters. Mayor Ballard and his staff enlisted the expertise of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis to operate and manage the facility and BGI was asked to come on as a partner.

The Indy Bike Hub YMCA made national attention when it opened last year because of the uniqueness of the facility. It’s a traditional YMCA with a cycling component. On one side members enjoy all of the amenities of the Y, which includes state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, a free weight area, wellness coaching, group exercise classes, and locker rooms featuring expanded and vented lockers, steamers and hair dryers. On the opposite side, bicycle commuters have access to one of the city’s best bicycle experts – BGI. Cyclists who commute to work are able to park their bicycles indoors in a safe and secure facility, with access to top of the line cycling gear, accessories and bike repairs.

One member said she just started a new workout routine at the Indy Bike Hub Y and is excited to see the results of her effort, but also shares that the Y has given her much more than better health. She wrote:

“The Y has been really good for me in many ways. I find that I am creating a little culture for myself there. Not just with what I have been doing, but with the relationships that I have built. From the front desk staff, to the trainers, other participants in the classes, the ladies in the locker room, and the regulars that are there every morning like myself; you can tell that everyone acknowledges each other and there is kind of an unspoken support and encouragement.  I don’t know why I didn’t do this years ago.”

Steve Carlsen, has been a member of the Bike Hub Y since its opening.

“I am an avid cyclist and I moved to Indianapolis in 2007. I love the “vibe” of the Y, especially the Bike Hub. I felt welcomed when I was fatter and weaker than I am now and I feel that same sense of welcome now that I am 20 pounds lighter and a stronger. I enjoy riding to work from my neighborhood. It takes me 20 minutes by car and 30-35 on my bike, which is much more enjoyable. I am a regular user of the Monon Trail as well.  When you are on your bike, walking or running - you are more connected to your community. I am grateful for the connection opportunity that the bike paths provide and now the Bike Hub Y.”

Besides the Y and BGI, the historic landmark is also home to IndyCog, City Market, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (Cycle Patrol). The facility is open Monday – Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, call 317-685-9705, visit Indy Bike Hub YMCA’s Facebook page or any of the following web sites.

www.OurCauseIsYou.org (go to “Centers” and select the Indy Bike Hub YMCA)
www.indybikehubymca.org – for all general information
www.bgindy.com – for information on the Bicycle Garage Indy store at the Hub
 

As Indianapolis continues to add more bike lanes and trails, it is important to tell the story of how these additions have caused increased usage. The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Health by Design and INDYCOG will be coordinating to collect these valuable counts on our bikeways. This will help us begin to quantify what most of have been seeing on our streets - more people riding bikes. 

Much work has already been done to develop a data collection process that can be used as a standard across the country. This common process allows multiple cities to understand how they compare. The National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project has put together a very helpful toolkit to help with this collection process.

The YMCA at the Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St., and the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, 222 E. Market St. (the downtown Ys) will be offering VIP guest passes to the community during their membership promotion August 1-17. During all hours of operation guest passes will be distributed daily during this promotion. The guest pass will allow the community to tour the facilities, try equipment and get to know the staff. Individuals who sign up for a membership during this time will have their joining fee waived; a value of up to $100.

Joining Fee to be Waived for New Members

Karin Ogden, Executive Director for the YMCA at the Athenaeum and the Indy Bike Hub YMCA said, “This is a great opportunity for those health seekers who have been procrastinating about hitting the gym and for individuals who may not have had an opportunity to visit either of our downtown Ys.”

The Bike Hub Y is the first in the country to introduce fitness with a cycling component. The Y has partnered with Bicycle Garage Indy (BGI) and offers bike lockers and and a commuter fitness package. Not only are the two urban Ys an answer to fitness needs, they are convienently located for the downtown resident, commuter, or visitor. Both facilities are located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis and the Y at the Athenaeum also offers childcare for parents. The YMCA at the Athenaeum is located inside of the historic Athenaeum building and the Indy Bike Hub YMCA sits in the east wing of City Market.  Each Y offers top-of-the-line fitness equipment, experienced staff, a variety of exercise classes and more. 

Guest passes are also available throughout the year at $10 per person or $18 for families. For more information about the membership promotion and programs at the downtown Ys, contact Angie Boarman, Membership Director, Indy Bike Hub YMCA, at 317-612-3083 or Sarah Ruiz, Membership Specialist, YMCA at the Athenaeum, at 317-685-9705.

About the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis

The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis serves more than 200,000 people in diverse communities throughout greater Indianapolis. The YMCA brings together young and old, men and women, people of all faiths, backgrounds, and incomes. Last year, the YMCA provided nearly $6 million in scholarships, subsidies, and under-written programs and community services in low income neighborhoods. Through 13 locations and in collaboration with more than 200 churches, schools, and other community groups and organizations, the YMCA is also able to extend its program opportunities throughout Central Indiana and into the heart of urban neighborhoods. To donate or for more information about YMCA programs and services visit www.OurCauseIsYou.org.

The Mass Ave Criterium is coming downtown to the Mass Avenue Cultural District on Saturday, August 11, 2012.  A full program of racing will run from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM.  This event title sponsors are NUVO and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

See European-style racing up close and personal as cyclists race by at 25-30 mph, competing for $10,000 in cash and prizes! Criterium racing can be very exciting to watch in person. Whereas Tour de France spectators get to see the racers once along a long road route, criterium fans see the racers every minute or so as they complete dozens of short circuits (laps).

The "Mass Ave." district offers dining, shopping, arts, and more. The folks from Pedal & Park will be there to offer secure bicycle parking. Make it an event: ride to the races, grab a bite, take in some culture, and have a great day. Mass Ave Criterium Website.

And you can be part of the action!  Volunteers are needed for the race course and Pedal & Park. Volunteers will be fed (!) and will receive a tee shirt.
(11am-2pm, 2pm-4:30pm, 4:30pm-7pm, 7pm-9:30pm)

Volunteer duties include:
•    Setting up the criterium course
•    Monitoring traffic and intersections on the course to ensure cyclist safety
•    Assisting attendees and residents with parking needs

To volunteer, visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/S9DHXSH

Bicycle Garage Indy is proud to be sponsor of this event.  Bicycle Garage Indy Downtown, in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA at Indianpolis City Market, is just a few blocks away from the Mass Ave district and will be open during much of the day.

The east plaza of Indy Bike Hub YMCA and Indianapolis City Market will the site for a bicycle swap meet being organized by the Central indiana Bicycle Association (CIBA) and IndyCog on Saturday August 25.

The event on the east plaza will be open from 1 to 5 PM, and will benefit the both CIBA and IndyCog.   Individuals and commercial vendors can arrange for table space at a very modest cost.  Plan on coming downtown after your morning ride to sell off unwanted bike gear or shop for a rare item you can't live without. 

Watch the cibaride.org or the theindycog.com sites for updates.

For table and rate info contact:

Ron Gurth at vp@cibaride.org; or
Kevin Whited at kevin@theindycog.cog.

Bicycle Indiana has released the "2012 Resource Guide", a 44 page summary of the best cycling events in Indiana. For several years, you've seen the paper version in Bicycle Garage Indy, the Indy Bike Hub YMCA (Bicycle Indiana's home since the hub opened), and other bicycle shops and events around the state.

As a not-for-profit organization, Bicycle Indiana depends on grants to pay for printing and shipping. This year, a slow grant approval has delayed the printing. Luckily, we live in the age of technological wonder! You can download the PDF version of the guide and view it on your PC, your e-reader, or nearly any smart phone.

Here are the links you can choose from:

• Bicycle Indiana's original PDF downloadpdf link (this is a very large file)
• Bicycle Indiana's Resource Guide MOBILE version link
• Bicycle Garage Indy link (a reduced file size version)-  www.bgindy.com/for/guide

Want to know more about Bicycle Indiana or support their mission? Visit www.bicycleIndiana.org.

Bicycle Garage Indy (BGI) is pleased to announce a partnership with ActiveIndy Tours. ActiveIndy Tours offers daily, guided walking, running and biking tours of Indianapolis that are conducted at a casual pace and are perfect for all ages. Tours are designed to showcase the best history, public art and hidden surprises Indianapolis has to offer while offering the health benefits of moderate physical activity at the same time.

Bicycle Garage Indy will serve as the rental bike provider and promote the joint venture to BGI customers. In addition, at BGI Downtown location inside the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, there will a display of Active Indy Tours materials.

Founded by hospitality industry veteran and healthy living advocate Nathan Smurdon, ActiveIndy Tours believes that the best way to experience Indianapolis is by taking a tour conducted at "human pace." Walking, biking & running allow tour participants the best opportunity to fully appreciate the sights that make our city so great.

"I saw an opportunity to combine a love for Indianapolis, it's stories and history with a passion for living a healthy lifestyle. Ultimately my hope is that through our tours we encourage people to come out and learn more about our city in a healthy and sustainable way,” Nathan Smurdon, owner and founder of ActiveIndy Tours. "For individuals that don't have a bicycle but want to take one of our biking tours, I'm thrilled to be able to partner with Bicycle Garage Indy at their downtown location inside the Indy Bike Hub YMCA at Indianapolis City Market. Through their decades of service to our bicycling community, they exemplify the impact local businesses can have on the quality of life in our city."

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Nathan and ActiveIndy Tours on this new venture. The more people exposed to the joy of bicycling helps make our business stronger. In addition, this partnership will draw more people to our downtown location, raise awareness of the high quality of our rental bike fleet and bring more people to the Indy Bike Hub YMCA to experience this unique facility,” Randy Clark, President and Founder, Bicycle Garage Indy.

Standard guided bike tours are 2.5 – 3 hours in length and are priced at $45-50/person. Tours depart from the Indy Bike Hub YMCA on the east side of historic City Market. Custom bike tours are available upon request.

Bicycle Garage Indy also offers top-of-the line Giant bicycles to rent for on-your-own exploring. The rental fleet includes bicycles for every type of riding, perfect to explore Indy with family, friends and out-of-town guests. Rental rates are based on the type of bike and length of rental. All rental bicycles are checked and maintained by Bicycle Garage Indy’s professional service staff. Bicycles can be rented from all three Bicycle Garage Indy locations.

ActiveIndy Tours: www.activeindytours.com 
Indy Bike Hub YMCA and IndyBikeHub.org
Bicycle Garage Indy: www.bgindy.com
Bicycle Garage Indy Downtown rental bikes: www.bgindy.com/for/hubrentals

Here is a short video of the Indianapolis Bike To Work Day 2012, held on Friday, May 18, 2012.  The video (by Jay Hardcastle, Marketing Manager for BGI), was shot with a GoPro HeroHD 2 camera and features travel along the Monon Trail to downtown to the Indy Bike Hub YMCA.

INDYCOG, a bicycle advocacy group for Indianapolis and Marion county,  was the organizer of Bike to Work Day 2012, partnering with Bicycle Indiana, IndyGo and the City of Indianapolis as well as many other sponsors, including the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis and Bicycle Garage Indy.