As part of the national Bike to Work Month, IndyGo will support INYDCOG’s Bike to Work Day Indianapolis on May 18.
INDYCOG’s mission is to promote bicycling as a safe and viable means of transportation and recreation in Indianapolis.
On May 18, the public can join IndyGo and other bicycling advocates at the Indy Bike Hub YMCA, located at City Market for morning festivities including free all day bike parking, free breakfast, the chance to learn more about resources for bike commuters and a special address by Mayor Greg Ballard.
IndyGo will showcase a new hybrid electric/diesel bus, complete with a bike rack to allow attendees hands-on experience for loading a bike on the bus. The Bike Hub Plaza opens at 7 a.m.
“When people ride their bikes in conjunction with IndyGo, they are choosing a low-cost transportation option that helps them stay fit and reduce carbon emissions in the air,” said Samantha Cross, vice president of business development for IndyGo. “All IndyGo buses have bike racks, which expands the options for alternative commuting in our community.”
In addition to the morning event, INDYCOG also coordinates morning group rides, beginning at 6:30 a.m., and other social activities throughout the day. The 2012 Bike to Work Day celebration will continue with a lunchtime ride, a free lunch and learn session and will wrap up with a special Bike to Work happy hour sponsored by Sun King at Tomlinson Taproom inside City Market.
“This event is an opportunity to raise awareness for bicycle safety and the multiple options our city provides for bike commuting with trails, bike lanes and bike racks on IndyGo,” said Kevin Whited, executive director of INDYCOG.
As bike lanes become more commonplace, bicyclists and drivers must realize they both share the same rights and responsibilities on the road. Buses move in and out of traffic but primarily stay in the right lane for passenger loading and unloading. Bicyclists also spend the majority of their time in the right lane. Because bikes and buses share the same space on the road and travel at slower speeds than cars, it’s important for both drivers and cyclists to respect one another, understand each other’s method of operation and make safe choices while in traffic.
“We train our drivers on how to safely maneuver their vehicles near cyclists and bike lanes,” said Mark Emmons, director of safety, training and security for IndyGo.
To learn more about Bike to Work Day and other transit services, visit www.IndyGo.net. Additional bike information at www.theindycog.com.
