Butler University and Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. officially launched a new partnership with Pacers Bikeshare on Aug. 26.
This partnership expands sustainable transportation options for students and strengthens connections with the neighboring Butler-Tarkington and Midtown communities.
The announcement, made during a morning ceremony at Dugan Hall on the university’s campus, was full of community members, executives, students and mascots. The event featured remarks from University President James Danko and Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) CEO Mel Raines, alongside representatives from the Herbert Simon Family Foundation and the Butler Student Government Association.
Raines emphasized the alignment of the program with her organization’s values.
More on the Pacers x Butler bikeshare program
“It’s a fun, accessible way to promote healthier, more active lifestyles and is obviously sustainable, which is something we focus on at PS&E as well,” Raines said. “We’re incredibly grateful to be part of this momentum and can’t wait to see how this program continues to grow … and bring people together.”
In his address, Danko framed the initiative as a key component of the university’s broader commitment to sustainability and its “gateway vision” to connect the campus more intentionally with Indianapolis.
“Students now have convenient access to restaurants and entertainment and internships and career opportunities downtown,” Danko said. “Just as importantly, it makes it easier for neighbors and visitors to enjoy a performance at Clowes Memorial Hall, a Bulldogs game at the (Hinkle) field house or simply spend time in our beautiful campus.”
The program provides a fun, accessible and sustainable mode of transport, encouraging healthier and more active lifestyles.
The expansion is seen as a significant step in weaving the university more seamlessly into the fabric of the city, providing a tangible link for students to engage with the broader Indianapolis community and for residents to access the university’s cultural and athletic amenities.
“This is more than just a transportation option,” Danko said.
It’s a way to bring people together.”
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook and TikTok @HorsemenSportsMedia. For more sports, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
