Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation
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Overview
Better Biking 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: Better Biking 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 Better Biking 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 the next course offering:
- What: Smart Cycling - Road I is a thorough introduction to vehicular cycling.
- When: Saturday, October 25, 2008; 9:00am-6:00pm
- Where: City of Bloomington City Hall
- Who can participate: Anyone over the age of 16 (Children between the ages of 13 and 15 can enroll in the class if accompanied by a parent)
- How much: $20 made payable to the City of Bloomington
- Flyer & Registration: Smart Cycling - Road I (PDF 189.22 KB) Registration required.
- If you are interested in participating, please contact Raymond Hess (812)349-3530.
Other classes are scheduled occasionally or can be put together for groups of 5 to 10 people. Depending on the scope of instruction needed, there may be a fee associated with the course.
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
Safe Routes to School | |
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Safe Routes to School Day: October 8, 2008. Information and news pertaining to Safe Routes to School in Bloomington, IN |