Feature
Bike Hub opens at Indianapolis City Market 9.15.11
INDIANAPOLIS STAR
The chores associated with biking to work Downtown just got easier.
More than 140 bike racks, showers, lockers and even steamers for getting the wrinkles out of that business suit have opened in Indianapolis City Market, 222 E. Market St.
At a ribbon cutting, Ballard said the bike hub “changes the culture of the city of Indianapolis” to that of a health-conscious city.
“There is nothing like it in the country,” the mayor said.
YMCA of Greater Indianapolis President Eric Ellsworth said, “the goal is to make Indianapolis the healthiest city in America.”
“This is one small cog in the wheel,” he said.
The Y hopes to have 2,000 bike hub regulars and 180,000 visitors a years, he said.
“The City Market is back,” said Wayne Schmidt, board chairman of City Market. “This is all about healthy living and healthy eating."
The facility and a YMCA gym are open in the east wing of the market. It's part of a $3.5 million renovation of the city landmark.
Bicycle Garage Indy is operating the bike hub and has a service and repair area, as well as a retail space to sell gear. BGI also will rent bikes.
The gym has 39 cardiovascular machines, including treadmills and elliptical machines, on the first floor. The second floor has weight-training equipment, including free weights, and instructors.
It will cost $5 a day to park a bike and $8 a day to park and use the showers and gym. A monthly pass for $39 gets parking and showers. Any YMCA membership will include use of the bike hub.
I’m honored to serve as Mayor of our great city. Every day I work to represent all the citizens of Marion County . . .