News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Fort Wayne promotes Bike Month
Pushes pedaling for a variety of benefits: economy, exercise, environment
(May 4, 2011) – The City of Fort Wayne is sharing the road with the National Bike Month effort in observing May as a month to utilize bicycles for transportation.
“We have several community partners who join us in recognizing the increasing importance of the bicycle as a viable way to get around town,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Whether someone is looking for a way to avoid high gasoline prices, add a little exercise to their routine, or reduce a carbon footprint, bicycling has grown into a popular outlet for people of all ages. As more bicyclists take to the roads, however, we need to ensure that both motorists and cyclists—indeed, all who share the road— understand the shared responsibility.”
Cyclists and motorists abide by the same “rules of the road.” In order to keep the roads safe for all users, motorists should use extra caution and patience when driving alongside cyclists. When passing a cyclist, wait until there is enough room to keep at least three feet of space between the side view mirror and the cyclist. Cyclists are encouraged to follow a predictable path rather than weaving through traffic. Riding in the right-side of the travel lane is a safe practice since it keeps the cyclist visible to motorists and still gives motorists room to pass when the lane is clear. Cyclists are required to obey traffic signals and signs at intersections, and they are encouraged to signal turns and lane changes with their hands. Cyclists can also improve their safety by wearing bright and highly visible clothing when they ride.
Mayor Henry knows Fort Wayne’s cyclists face challenges when riding for transportation. To change this, the city is implementing Bike Fort Wayne, a plan to improve the biking experience on city streets and create a bike-friendly community. In recent years, Fort Wayne has added to its bicycle infrastructure in several ways: through adding bike lanes and sharrows, signage, and parking facilities. Bike lanes on Rudisill Blvd. now connect Foster and McMillen parks. Downtown, on Wayne and Berry Streets, bike lanes make it easier for cyclists to reach their favorite destinations. A bike lane is a lane designated strictly for cyclists; motorists are only to cross over the bike lane when necessary to access a parking space or a driveway. Parking is not allowed on a bike lane. The City installed shared-lane markings, or “sharrows,” on Hanna St. as visible reminders to motorists that cyclists use the roadway and to help cyclists know where in the street to ride. Convenient and secure bike racks are another important way to invite people to “Ride their Drive.” This spring the City will nearly double the inventory of 150 public bike parking spaces at destinations throughout the city.
Many events and opportunities await bike riders in the month of May, including Bike-to-Work Week 2011 from May 16-20 and Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 20. Details on both events will be shared in the coming weeks. Bicyclists who want to learn more may check out the calendar of events on the Bike Fort Wayne website, www.cityoffortwayne.org/bikefortwayne.
2011 National Bike Month Activities in Fort Wayne
Schedule of events
May 8th – Sundays on a bike
It’s Sunday; take advantage of the lighter traffic, the easy pace, and get some exercise. Heck, start a new tradition with friends and family! Ride Downtown for brunch, visit a museum, or hit the trails.
May 10th – Trek the Trails at 6:00 p.m.
Where? Towpath Trail – 8 Miles
Meet at the Rockhill Park Trailhead on Catalpa St, near W Jefferson and Freeman.
Fort Wayne has one of the finest trail systems in the Midwest with over 60 miles of trail winding through the city. Join local trail users for weekly bike rides this spring along the Rivergreenway, the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Aboite Trails, the Pufferbelly Rail-to-Trail and the Salomon Farm Trail to experience Fort Wayne in a whole new way.
For more information, call the Greenway office at 427-6228.
May 13th – Courteous Mass, Critical Manners @ Lawton Park at 6:15 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to join and help bring common courtesy back to the streets. For those who need a refresher on what Critical Manners/Courteous Mass is, here is the arrangement:
[list type=”black”]
[li]The ride will respect and abide-by the ALL local traffic laws.[/li]
[li]Rides will be on the slow side to ensure no one is dropped and that the Mass stays a mass.[/li]
[li]The Mass will only take up one lane, two when necessary for safety.[/li]
[li]The ride will stop at red lights and stop signs. If a light turns red mid-mass, the riders who made the light should safely pull over to wait for those who were caught by the light.[/li]
[li]Riders are asked to signal turns, call out danger, and communicate their intentions to other riders.[/li]
[li]The goal of these rides is to be a visible and positive example of the cooperation that can exist between cars and bicycles when people respect the laws and each other; and to help those who maybe aren’t used to cycling regularly.[/li]
[/list]
There are a few of us who do it all the time so we could throw you some pointers making it a learning experience. So join the CM2 and help make Fort Wayne a better place for bicycles!
Lawton Park by the softball field. They meet at 6:15 and ride at 6:30
May 15th – Sundays on a Bike
It’s Sunday; take advantage of the lighter traffic, the easy pace, and get some exercise. Heck, start a new tradition with friends and family! Ride Downtown for brunch, catch a ball game, visit a museum, or hit the trails.
May 16th to the 19th – Free Coffee! – National Bike to Work Week
Riding in the whole week (during Bike to Work Week)? Show your helmet
and receive a FREE SMALL COFFEE at either the DASH-IN or HIGHER GROUNDS downtown locations. Valid Monday-Thursday BEFORE 8:00 AM this week only! But you can still get free stuff on Friday (see Headwaters Park event below…)
May 17th – Trek the Trails at 6:00 p.m.
Where? Aboite Trails – 8 Miles
Meet at the back of Indian Trails Park on Aboite Center Rd.
Fort Wayne has one of the finest trail systems in the Midwest with over 60 miles of trail winding through the city. Join local trail users for weekly bike rides this spring along the Rivergreenway, the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Aboite Trails, the Pufferbelly Rail-to-Trail and the Salomon Farm Trail to experience Fort Wayne in a whole new way.
For more information, call the Greenway office at 427-6228.
May 18th – World-wide Ride for Silence at 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Downtown, Freimann Square (free vehicle parking after 5:00 PM)
A solemn ride to HONOR those killed or injured while on a bicycle – To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here – To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD
May 20th – Bike to Work Day @ Headwaters Park West, from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m.
Free coffee and bagels and bus passes with other commuters! (Thanks Starbucks, Citilink and Bagel Station!)
Need help riding in? Contact bikefortwayne@gmail.com.
Participating organizations: City of Fort Wayne, One Lucky Guitar, Inc., Lincoln Financial Group
May 20th – Bike to Work After-party: Fort Wayne Bikes & Outfitters from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
North of the St. Mary’s River, near the Old Iron Bridge on Wells St. It’s a party. Ride on over and have a good time.
Mat 21st – Summit City Bicycles & Fitness presents: 2nd Annual Ladies Night Out @ 6:30 p.m.
Event has room for 100 riders only! Contact 260.484.0182
Due to an incredible response, registration is now full. If you want to be placed on a waiting list, contact the number listed above.
May 21st Free Movie Night @ Cinema Center (437 E. Berry St.) 4:00 p.m.
Breaking Away (PG) This charming, Academy Award winner (1979, Screenplay) cycles high on comedy as four friends come to terms with life after high school. When top?notch cyclist Dave (Dennis Christopher) learns that the world’s bicycling champions are always Italian, he attempts to turn himself into an Italian, driving his parents (Barbara Barrie, Paul Dooley) crazy. But everything changes after he meets the Italian racing team?an encounter that ultimately leads him and his friends (Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, Jackie Earle Haley) to enter as a team in the Little 500, the great bike race that is an Indiana University tradition. Filmed in and around Bloomington, this is a Hoosier classic. 101 minutes (1979)
Mat 21st – Summit City Bicycles & Fitness presents: 2nd Annual Ladies Night Out (in the daytime!) 11:00 a.m. at Tillman Park
Unlimited Riders! No calling! No RSVP’s! Just show up and ride!
May 22nd – Sundays on a Bike
It’s Sunday; take advantage of the lighter traffic, the easy pace, and get some. Heck, start a new tradition with friends and family! Ride Downtown for brunch, visit a museum, or hit the trails.
May 24th – Planning a bike-friendly community seminar at the downtown library, begins at 9:00 a.m.
This half-day seminar will provide planners and engineers with the knowledge and skills needed to plan for bicycling as a means of active transportation (getting you self and your stuff there by walking or biking) and recreation in your community. Bicycle-friendly communities provide health, environmental, and economic benefits to the residents of your community. Topics of discussion will include: bicycling and public health, bike safety lesson, bikeway networks, and a Q & A session.
For information and registration, visit:
May 24th – Trek the Trails at 6:00 p.m.
Where? Rivergreenway 8 Miles
Meet at Johnny Appleseed Park near Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne has one of the finest trail systems in the Midwest with over 60 miles of trail winding through the city. Join local trail users for weekly bike rides this spring along the Rivergreenway, the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Aboite Trails, the Pufferbelly Rail-to-Trail and the Salomon Farm Trail to experience Fort Wayne in a whole new way.
For more information, call the Greenway office at 427-6228.
May 24th – Free Movie Night: Downtown Library Theater at 6:30 p.m.
PEE-WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE (PG) Eccentric man-child Pee-Wee Herman embarks on the big adventure of his life across the US mainland, as he sets out to find his beloved bike, when it is stolen in broad daylight. Co-written by Paul Reubens and the late Phil Hartman.92 minutes (1985)
May 29th – Bike to the Ballpark at Parkview Field at 3:05 p.m.
The TinCaps are in town. Hop on your bike and head on down! It’s Sunday; take advantage of the lighter traffic, get some exercise, start a new tradition with friends and family! Plenty of FREE VALET bike parking will be available.
May 31st – Trek the Trails at 6:00 p.m.
Where? Rivergreenway 8 Miles
Meet at Foster Park near the trailhead parking lot by Pavilion #1.
Fort Wayne has one of the finest trail systems in the Midwest with over 60 miles of trail winding through the city. Join local trail users for weekly bike rides this spring along the Rivergreenway, the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Aboite Trails, the Pufferbelly Rail-to-Trail and the Salomon Farm Trail to experience Fort Wayne in a whole new way.
For more information, call the Greenway office at 427-6228.
Related Images:
The truth about bicycling in Fort Wayne is: very few people choose to do it. Certain events promoting biking appeal only to people who bike with others as a social activity.
Painted lines on the street are not going to convince daily commuters to trust their lives to those lines to prevent their death. It’s just too easy for an auto to swerve into you.
A serious effort to encourage biking would “begin’ with closing certain streets to automotive traffic so cyclists would know they would not be hit.
But hey! We’ve had the Rivergreenway for years.
It’s free of cars and largely free of cyclists too.
Try to find a person UNDER the age of 25 who bikes on the Rivergreenway who is not accompanied by parents or part of a cycling group!
How many people use it regularly?
If the city honestly expected the Rivergreenway to get heavy use, it would have been constructed at least as wide as a city street to accommodate high traffic flow.