Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation
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Overview
NEW! National Bike Month Activities
Smart Cycling Classes
Safe Routes to School
Bicycle Registration
Leave a Comment about Alternative Transportation
Help Make Bloomington more walkable and bikeable
Bicycle and Pedestrian facilities and resources in the City Bloomington
Overview
The City of Bloomington works to develop a network of safe, convenient and attractive bicycle and pedestrian facilities with guidance provided by the Bloomington Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation and Greenways System Plan (PDF 25.09 MB). These facilities are for all ages and mobilities to walk or bike to their destinations - rather than taking their vehicles.
Choosing to walk or bike will ultimately reduce traffic congestion in the City and improve the health, fitness, and quality of life of Bloomington's residents. The Bloomington Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Commission actively works towards alternative transportation goals by doing the following activities: identifying and alleviating safety issues for bicyclists and pedestrians; educating bicyclists and pedestrians (and motorists too) on their rights and responsibilities; advocating the use and construction of trails, bike lanes, side-paths, sidewalks and other bicycle and pedestrian friendly facilities.
The City of Bloomington is proud to be recognized as a "Bicycle Friendly Community" by the League of American Bicyclists. Less than 100 communities across the country have been given this honor for "longstanding commitments to providing safe accommodation and facilities for bicyclists, and for their efforts to encourage bicycle travel for transportation and recreation." Bloomington was the first League designated "Bicycle Friendly Community" in Indiana.
NEW: May is National Bike Month!
Check out the following activities offered in Bloomington:
- Learn to Ride: May 11 - 13, 2009; 4:30-5:30pm
Participants will learn how to confidently and safely ride their bikes through instruction and will also learn about bike maintenance, road safety, and proper bike and helmet fitting. Parents are encouraged to participate. Register through the Parks and Recreation Department (registration code = 17512-A) - Bike Rodeo: May 14, 2009; 4:00-6:00pm at Lakeview Elementary School
A free family event to entertain and educate children on cycling safety and the importance of wearing bike helmets. Participants can bike through an obstacle course, enjoy snacks and learn something new! Helmets are provided for riders who need them. Bring your own bike. A few bikes will be available for use in the rodeo. - National Bike to Work Day: May 15, 2009
Riding your bike is good for you and the planet. You can get to work and get a workout at the same time as you save money, reduce traffic congestion, cut your carbon footprint in half, and have fun. Register for Bike to Work day through the Parks and Recreation Department (registration code = 26502-A) and you'll be eligible for healthy food and fun prizes. - Bicycle Commuting 101: May 16, 2009; 1:00-4:00pm
See details below under Smart Cycling Classes - Learn to Ride - Rules of the Road: May 18 -20, 2009; 4:30-5:30pm
This three day class is for children who are skilled enough to ride without assistance. Participants will receive instruction to learn to safely ride their bikes through city neighborhoods and will also learn about bike maintenance. Register for this class through the Parks and Recreation Department (registration code = 17513-A). - National Bike to Work Day Take 2!: May 22, 2009
We couldn't squeeze it all into just one day so we're giving you another opportunity to ride your bike to work. Register for Bike to Work day through the Parks and Recreation Department (registration code = 26502-A) and you'll be eligible for healthy food and fun prizes. - Cycle-to-Service Weekend: May 22 - 24, 2009
Ride to your place of worship to save money, get in shape, and help the planet. Bicycles are not only the most efficient form of transportation, they are the most fun way to get around town. Register for Cycle-to-Service through the Parks and Recreation Department (registration code = 26503-A) and you'll be eligible to win fun prizes. - Wapehani Challenge: May 23, 2009
Get out and ride Indiana's first mountain bike park during Bloomington Bikes Week. Check out the endless loops of rolling single track right here in town. You'll find bike checks, demos, time trials, and good food at the Wapehani Challenge. Register for the Wapehani Challenge through the Parks and Recreation Department (registration code = 26504-A).
Smart Cycling Classes
Do you feel uncomfortable riding your bike on the road? Do you ride your bike on the sidewalk? Are you uncertain as to which traffic laws apply to bicylists?
If you answered yes or are uncertain about any of these questions than you could likely benefit from learning how to DRIVE your bicycle in traffic!
Cyclists of all skill levels can enjoy cycling more when one knows how to operate a bike safely and effectively in traffic. Topics to be covered in Smart Cycling Classes include strategies for how bicyclists can be predictable, courteous, assertive, visible, and alert. The curriculum used for these educational sessions is developed by the League of American Bicyclists and is taught by League Cycling Instructor Raymond Hess (LCI#1848)
Details on course offerings:
Traffic Skills 101/Road I - Gives cyclists the confidence they need to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the trail. The course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques and includes a student manual. Recommended for adults and children above age fourteen, this fast-paced, nine-hour course prepares cyclists for a full understanding of vehicular cycling.
- When - CANCELLED - The June 6th class has been cancelled and will be rescheduled sometime this summer. Thank you for your understanding.
- Where - City of Bloomington City Hall, McCloskey Room (#135)
- How much - $20
- Registration required.
Registration Form
Questions about Smart Cycling courses should be directed to Raymond Hess (812)349-3530.
Bicycle Registration
Both the City of Bloomington and Indiana University require registration of bicycles when cyclists intend to ride and park their bikes in town or on campus, respectively. Both entities require a bicycle permit to be noticably placed on bicycles. These permits can assist law enforcement officials in the return of stolen or impounded bikes to their rightful owners or in enforcement measures.
- More information on IU's bicycle registration can be obtained from Parking Operations.
- More information on the City of Bloomington's free bicycle registration can be obtained from the City Controller's Office by calling 349-3412 or visiting Suite 240 of City Hall in the Showers Complex located at 401 N. Morton St., Bloomington, IN, 47402 (In order to register, you will need to know your bike's color, manufacturer/make, wheel size, and serial number).
Leave a comment or suggestion about Alternative Transportation issues:
We're always interested in hearing new ideas and insights about how to make Bloomington more walkable or bikeable. Let us know what you think by giving us a call at (812) 349-3423 or by sending us an e-mail.
Help make Bloomington more Walkable and Bikeable!
- Report Hazardous Sidewalks
- Alternative Transportation Projects
- Report a Minor Accident - Did you have a small accident or "close call" that was not reported to the Police Department? If so, let us know. Be sure to give us the specific details about the location and the details of the incident so that we can help prevent future accidents from occurring. Please also let us know whether the incident involved a bicyclist, pedestrian, a car, or some combination of the three. (If it was a serious incident, contact the Bloomington Police Department immediately).
Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities and Resources in the City of Bloomington
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Commission - an advisory board that typically meets twice a month to discuss bicycle and pedestrian safety issues
Bloomington Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation and Greenways System Plan (PDF 25.09 MB) - a document guiding the development of the future bicycle and pedestrian transportation system
Bloomington Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation and Greenways System Plan Maps (PDF 11.24 MB) - the accompanying maps to the BPTGSP
Bloomington Bicycle Map (PDF 1.90 MB) - identifies signed bike routes, bike lanes, sidepaths, and multi-use trails. For Information on how to obtain a copy, contact Joe Fish at (812)349-3423 or fishj@bloomington.in.gov
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department - identifies park facilities in the City and the bicycle and pedestrian opportunities available at them:
City of Bloomington on-line interactive map - provides a map of the City which will identify parks, and bike lanes and routes among other data
Sidewalk Committee
meets each fall to decide upon projects to be completed with sidewalk allocation funding
Spotlight Webpages in Biking & Walking in Bloomington
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