E-Bikes and Trail Developments

The completion of the original 10-mile Monon Trail in 1999 was a test case. A project that started with resistance from locals (fear of crime) became a beloved amenity and has since been extended to 27 miles. The next big swing was the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which completed initial construction in 2013. This groundbreaking downtown trail once again stirred up its share of controversy (removal of street parking). Today, it is impossible to imagine Indy without 8-miles of hexagon pavers, iconic art, and beautiful landscaping leading you from one neighborhood to the next.

Much like the growth of a successful business, incremental gains have led to increased demand, so production is sharply on the rise. City and state leaders are making a once-in-a-generation investment in new trails. If you’re like me, this news makes you want to saddle up, get outside, and start exploring.

• E-Bikes: Pacers Bikeshare is introducing 325 white e-bikes to their existing inventory of 500 bikes at 50 stations located on or near the Indianapolis Cultural Trial. It has never been easier to rent the right set of wheels for your ride. Simply walk up to a station of use the BCycle app to check out a bike.
• Cultural Trail Expansion: Construction on two additional miles of trail is advancing and will be completed this year. The South Street extension will connect to Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Avenue extension will reach from the Madam Walker Legacy Center to 10th Street and a planned bridge to the 16 Tech Innovation District.
• B&O Trail: Named after the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, this new trail completed a route beginning at Michigan Road on the west side of downtown to the town of Speedway. That’s right, you can ride from the heart of Indy to the Racing Capitol of the World on a bike! Eventually, the trail will extend through Hendricks County northwest of Indianapolis.
• Fall Creek Greenway: Completed last year, an extension of the Fall Creek Greenway takes riders from the natural beauty of Fort Harrison State Park in Lawrence to a downtown connection at 10th Street with the White River Greenway and (eventually) the Cultural Trail’s Indiana Avenue extension.
• Pleasant Run Trail: Two of the city’s favorite parks, Ellenberger Park in Irvington to the north and Garfield Park to the south, are connected by the Pleasant Run Trail which is getting repaved and extended this year. If you want to stretch your ride, the Pennsy Trail gives you another 17 miles of trail extending from Irvington to the east.
• Nickel Plate Trail: One of the most exciting trail developments in the works is utilizing a rail corridor to connect Indianapolis to the thriving city of Fishers and historic charm of Noblesville. Segments of the trail from 96th Street north through Fishers to Noblesville are complete. The Indianapolis section is being paved this year with a goal of completion in 2025 (minus bridges).

Biking is a low-impact exercise that is open to all ages and fitness levels. The introduction of e-bikes combined with Indiana’s flat terrain ensure that everyone can have fun while exploring on two wheels. While the journey is the reward, it never hurts to plan your ride around a destination. Whether a restaurant, coffee shop, or brewery, it’s always wise to build a reward into your ride.

It's an exciting time to be a cyclist in Indianapolis. With each new route, comes new possibilities to connect with places and the people that make Indy special.