Indianapolis Mayor Ballard's Polar Bear Pedal, a new ride for the new year. [Examiner.com]

By Bill -

Indianapolis Mayor Ballard's Polar Bear Pedal, a new ride for the new year.

Jay Hardcastle's photo

, Indianapolis Bicycle Touring Examiner
December 19, 2011 - Like this? Subscribe to get instant updates.

Area bicyclists of all ages are invited to join Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard on January 2, 2012 for the Polar Bear Pedal, a 12.2 mile bike ride to celebrate Indy’s connected bikeways.
The ride will start from the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, at the Indianapolis City Market at 222 E. Market Street, and follow Indianapolis bike lanes, streets,  and bike paths to the Major Taylor Velodrome.  Bicycle Garage Indy, with its Downtown location in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA is a sponsor of the event.
While the event is free, online registration encouraged and is available at:     http://www.indy.gov/egov/mayor/pages/polarbearpedal.aspx
 
On-site registration opens at 10 a.m. in the Hub at Bicycle Garage Indy Downtown, and the ride begins at 11 a.m.  The course includes a hot chocolate break at the Major Taylor Velodrome and returns to the Indy Bike Hub YMCA.
 
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) will provide traffic control along the entire route.  Department of Public Works vehicles will also be on hand to make sure the route is clear.  Helmets are required for all riders, and T-shirts provided to first 100 people who register on-line. Additional shirts are available for purchase on the day of the ride.
 
Mayor Ballard, who won re-election to a second term in November 2011, has been active supporter of improvements to Indianapolis bicycling since his election is 2007.   His accomplishments include:
  • Hired a bicycle coordinator for the city of Indianapolis
  • Established the Indianapolis Bicycle Advisory Council
  • Connectivity of the bike lanes, trails and great spaces is a major goal for the city In 2008, Indy had less than one mile of bike lanes. There will be more than 60 miles of bike lanes by the end of 2011
  • There is a 10 year plan for adding bike lanes to Indianapolis which is being executed. Plan is viewable atwww.indy.gov/sustainindy
  • Pursued and won federal funding to fund creation of bike lanes
In 2010 Indianapolis has also been designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists for the first time ever.
 
The Indy Bike Hub YMCA, which opened in September 2011,  is also a result of Mayor Ballard's support of bicycling.  A partnership of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, Bicycle Garage Indy, the City of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis City Market, the Indy Bike Hub YMCA has 150 secure bicycle parkings spaces, with full locker and towel service for commuters, a fitness facility, a full-service bike shop, and office space for bicycle state and local bicycle organizations.  
 
 Online registration for the Indianapolis Polar Bear Pedal is available at:    http://www.indy.gov/egov/mayor/pages/polarbearpedal.aspx 

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