A well attended Bike Indianapolis Annual Meeting encourages community involvement in 2024
We appreciated everyone who came out to our 2024 Annual Meeting held on Tuesday, March 19 at Centerpoint Brewing. Tess Woods, Bike Indianapolis Project Coordinator, provided information on the progress Bike Indianapolis made in 2023 toward our mission to get more people riding and highlighted what is in store for 2024.
Other speakers included Chris Holcomb, Advocacy Committee Chair, who provided news on all that the advocacy committee has accomplished. This included an updated Ride Guide that was so successful that there are only a handful of pocket guides left. 2024 plans include a new updated version.
The Advocacy committee also organized and hosted the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims to remember all people seriously injured and who lost their live through road traffic violence, highlighted how deadly Indianapolis roads can be for pedestrians and cyclists and included a Call to Action to the city to commit to a Vision Zero Policy.
Andy Gremos, Board President, discussed the importance of Bike Indianapolis’ mission and encouraged involvement in our organization through membership and volunteer opportunities.
MEETING PRESENTATION:
If you weren’t able to join us, please take a moment to view our slide presentation to see all the news shared at our meeting. A short synopsis of our presentation is also included below.
Recap of 2023:
Bike Indianapolis’ mission is to get more people riding bicycles in central Indiana, using a three-pronged approach: Advocacy, Education and Community Engagement. Below is our recap of 2023 broken out by these categories:
ADVOCACY:
Our Advocacy Committee is active and dedicated to making our community safer for cyclists. 2023 Accomplishments included:
Petition for information on a Trail Maintenance plan.
3000 updated 2023 Bike Guides.
Bike counts to the Dept. of Public Works.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims commemoration.
EDUCATION:
BIKE BUDDY PROGRAM: This valuable program is offered in partnership with Commuter Connect. It pairs experienced cyclists with novice riders to instill self confidence and provide skills and guidance on city riding. Due to an overwhelming response to this program we were able to host two Bike Buddy Mentor trainings in 2023. If you would like to become a Bike Buddy, you can join us at our upcoming Bike Buddy Mentor Training on April 24 at 6 pm. Register here.
BICYCLE LUNCH AND LEARNS: As part the CCTF (Cycle Commuter Task Force), we assisted in the planning and implementation of nine virtual Bicycle Lunch & Learns in 2023 and will continue to participate and promote these events virtually in 2024 on the third Thursday of every month.
YOUTH EDUCATION: 2 youth cycling education programs were provided through the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and a Bike to School day event with School 88.
SAFETY: Vehicle speed display signs have been placed along 38th street to monitor traffic flow and speed.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
COMMUNITY AND GROUP RIDES: We continued to provide weekly community riding groups and led and/or organized several group rides to major events in central Indiana including Bike to Work Day and Bike to the 500, If you’re interested in leading a neighborhood ride or forming one within your community, contact tess@bikeindianapolis.org.
MAJOR TAYLOR INVITATIONAL: We hosted the second national gathering of Major Taylor cycling clubs. Traditionally this event moves to a different city every year but due to an overwhelming positive response from the first national gathering, we were asked to host this event again in 2023.
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION MEETUPS: As part the CCTF (Cycle Commuter Task Force), we assisted in the planning and implementation of 4 active transportation meetups which encourage the community to utilize alternative forms of transportation to get to work. One has already been held in 2024 and more are planned for the coming months.
VALET BIKE PARKING: We provided valet bike parking at numerous events in Indianapolis including Garfield Park Farmers Market, Monumental Yoga, Indy Crit and Beyond Monumental Marathon.
Plans for 2024
We have lots planned for 2024. Below is a list of our upcoming events and opportunities to become more involved in Bike Indianapolis:
2024 EVENTS:
Bike to the Ballpark: Saturday, April 6
Enjoy the Indianapolis Indians weekend opener with a ride from Sun King Brewing to Victory field! We will have Bike Valet Parking available for all riders inside the ballpark.
Bike to Work Day: Friday, May 17
Make your commute more enjoyable by riding your bike to work! Meet us at Lugar Plaza for breakfast, coffee and a short program highlighting the benefits of bike commuting.
Bike to the 500: Sunday, May 26
Don't sit in traffic when you can pedal past the crowds on an escorted route and park at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Join us at the AMP at 16 Tech on Sunday, May 26th and Bike to the 500!
Bike Indianapolis Programs: With your help, we will continue to grow our programs including our Bike Valet Parking opportunities, Community Outreach, Bicycle Ambassador program, Community Rides and Bike Buddy program.
Advocacy Committee 2024 Plans:
Monitoring compliance and execution on existing City bike infrastructure policies.
Advocacy for safe design and city safety policies.
Coalition-building (i.e. nonprofit groups, other advocates, IndyGo, schools.)
Tactical urbanism projects and education.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Bike Indianapolis is made possible by the time, talent and treasure provided by our volunteers. We could not exist without their help. There are many ways we utilize volunteers. This includes our programs and events but also through our Advocacy Committee and Board of Directors. One of our goals for 2024 is to continue to grow our volunteer program which will allow us to provide more opportunities to ride, advocate for safer cycling, and educate riders, drivers and the community at large.
Board of Directors: We are looking for individuals who would like to have input and make an impact in cycling in Indianapolis by becoming a board member. Please contact tess@bikeindianapolis.org if you are interested.
Advocacy Committee: Our Advocacy Committee is active and dedicated. If you would like to become involved in campaigning for safer cycling by joining this committee, please contact chris@bikeindianapolis.org.
Program or Event Volunteer: Would you like to help with valet parking or tabling a festival or event? Be a ride leader for Bike to Work day? We have lots of current and upcoming volunteer opportunities in our various programs and events. Our current signup list is here.
Become a Bike Indianapolis member today!
Bike Indianapolis Membership: And of course we would be remiss if we didn’t ask you to become a member. Your membership dollars allow us to provide all the services and programs listed above with our overall goal to create more riders in central Indiana. Become a part of a cycling community that shares your passion. Join here.
