The West Side

This originally appeared in the INDYCOG newsletter.  Get involved with bike advocacy, join INDYCOG! I wasn't there when it was born. I didn't see its first step or hear it first speak. But this week, I think I saw bike advocacy grow up. I attended my first National Bike Summit last year. It was contentious. We were fighting to keep the dedicated funding that others had worked so hard to attain. We were greeted with polite nods, and a sometimes dismissive attitude. One representative refused to see us. This year, we not only met with staff, but with members themselves. They were interested, engaged and (do I dare to say?) supportive. What a difference a year makes. Now, it could be that we weren't asking for funding like we were last year. I'm sure that's part of it. But I heard the word "tipping point" several times. Legislators are seeing the success cities like Indianapolis are having. Good politicians are nothing if not ...

I decided to try out the "new" bike lanes on Lafayette Rd. on Saturday.  Specifically I wanted to ride up to 71st St. and see the progress on the Eagle Creek Greenway. The first thing I noticed was the fresh strips of green paint.  This marks the areas of the bike lane where cars can cross.  This will, hopefully, make the lanes easier for motorists to understand.  They really stand out. When I reached 71st St., I made a right turn on to the greenway.  What a nice addition to the Eagle Creek area.  At this point, it doesn't go that far.  When it's finished I'm told we will be able to ride from the park all the way to the Monon using a combination of greenway, and bike lanes.  It will be great to finally be able to cross town on a bicycle using dedicated bike ways. Oh, the places we will go! Ride on.

It's tough buying gifts for cyclists.  You're never quite sure of what they want, or what they've got.  So, I thought I would compose of short list of some little things that work in big ways. Here are some of my very favorite things. The Buff has been one of my favorite things for years.  I don't travel without one.  You can use it in about 1,000 different ways.  Hat, balaclava, scarf, headband, scrunchie, wristband etc.  Don't leave home without one.  These are Merino Wool, which makes them even better. Made in Spain The Donkey Boxx.  This ingenious little box is made from corrugated plastic (just like the Postal service uses).  They attach to your bike with zip ties, and provide a carrier that's more supported that traditional panniers.  Super smart! Made in USA The smartest mirror I've ever seen.  Light weight, easy to install and a great field of vision.  Works especially well on drop bars. ...