More Bike Lanes for Indianapolis
Allisonville & Delmar. A High speed north south through fare
So, a recent push in the Indianapolis area was made in the area of bicycle promotion and awareness. This past year, Indianapolis played host to the North American Handmade Bicycle show. When it was announced, much criticism was leveled against it being held here and people's contention was that Indianapolis is not a bike city. Even myself not being involved in the core of the push for bicycle awareness heard this which to me, says that there must have been quite an uproar at the enthusiast level. The criticism was much deserved though. Indianapolis is a CAR CITY first. Hellow, Indy 500, NHRA US Nationals, Brickyard... I could go on. You get the point. With recent pushes for a greener city and modern infrastructure awareness, also comes bicycle commuting. Downtown was really the first place to get pushed to the forefront when the city laid down lanes on New York and Michigan. Both heavily traveled commuter arteries into and out of the downtown area. They were well received at least by those who appreciate such things.
Nikon D90 Tokina 12-24 f4
Getting motorists to recognize has been a bit tougher. For example I was recently heading to school at IUPUI. I live in Broad Ripple and work on the NE side, so getting downtown is not a quick flight if relying upon IndyGo buses. So, I drive.
I was driving through downtown on Michigan and in the Delaware St area, there were three vehicles parked IN the bike lane with their flashers on. Loading or unloading undoubtedly. It frustrated me to see this though. I hope that as time goes by, that people can come to appreciate, and SHARE the road. Although, I know that a lot of people still get down on bicycles being on the road. You hear the same complaints. "They don't watch where they are going!" "they don't obey traffic laws!" "They ride slow right down the middle of the road!"
The city could do a lot more to help itself as well. I read over at the Indy Cog recently where a number of bicycle commuters were recently ticketed for being on the Monon Trail before dawn or after dusk. A bit of background on the Monon. In it's former life it was a rail line. When abandoned, the city snatched it up and converted it to one of the region's most popular greenways. It is shared by cyclists, walkers, skateborders, you name it. Anyone not on a car, uses it these days it seems. One of the laws though, is that one is not allowed to travel upon it after dark. Maybe it was tough economic times which made the city decide to ticket the offenders. I say let them ride. Protest has caused the city to rescind the tickets, which is good, and also a promise to look into changing the law about riding after dark. That would go a long way to supporting those commuters using their bikes to get to and from work. With the daylight savings time change, it really has made getting to and from work during daylight hours tough. I drive to work and I know this much.
I hope that in time, these issues will peacefully sort themselves out. The photos posted today, will be used on http://www.theindycog.com/ which is an enthusiasts run and supported website advocating cycling in general but more specifically, as the name implies, promoting awareness of cycling in Indianapolis. Give them a look if you get a chance!
The turn lane onto Delmar Road
