500 join Ballard at Mayor's Bike Ride 6.6.11

INDIANAPOLIS STAR

More than 500 people turned out to test drive new bike lanes on Lafayette Road this morning as part of the 2011 Mayor’s Bike Ride.

Cyclists from kids to seniors gathered for the third annual event at Fishback Creek Public Academy in Pike Township.

The event, which changes locations each year, is meant to highlight the city’s bike lanes, which have increased from 2 miles of bike lanes in 2008 to 34 miles this year.

Mayor Greg Ballard hopes to have 63 miles of bike lanes by the end of the year in Marion County. Long term, the city is planning 200 miles of bike lanes in 12 years.

“People will be able to go county line to county line without leaving a bike lane,” he said.

During today’s ride, cyclists could choose between 6-mile or 8.59-mile routes that featured the new bike lanes along Lafayette Road as well as paved roads in Eagle Creek Park on the Northwestside. Kids could opt for a 1.5-mile ride.

View the city’s plan for bike lanes and connectivity to existing trails at www.sustainindy.org.
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