Bike Trails Pedestrian Paths Help Indiana Residents Stay Active Hea
Bike Trails, Pedestrian Paths, Help Indiana Residents Stay Active, Hea...
"We're pushing to grow as quickly as possible," said Bob Bronson, section chief for the . "We want to get people out of their cars and riding their bikes or walking as much as possible." Four years into the project, 350 miles of trails have been added in all parts of Indiana, for a total of 2,348 miles of off-road recreational paths. Bike trails are an important part of AARP's livable communities initiative, said Martin DeAgostino, communications director. "As people age — in addition to affordable and accessible housing — they should be able to get around easily and safely," DeAgostino said. "Dedicated recreational trails and bike lanes give people a way to stay active and enjoy their community." Every week, about 20,000 people run, walk or bike the that bisects northern Indianapolis and continues as the into the affluent suburb of Shops and restaurants are springing up along the bike path. In fact, Carmel City Councilman Ron Carter, R, attributes a large part of the success of the $500 million City Center project to the Monon. "The Monon is an amenity, like our version of beachfront property in the Carolinas," said Carter, who spent several years as executive director of the . "City Center might not be here without the Monon attracting the development community." One software company attributed the proximity of the Monon as the reason it leased space in a nearby building. "It was something they felt they could offer as an important lifestyle benefit to their employees," Carter said. Jim Creamer of Carmel started taking casual bike rides on the Monon several years ago and quickly became hooked. "I just started riding more and kept going farther and farther," said Creamer, 51. "At first, I never felt safe riding on the street, but on the Monon I could ride down to downtown Indianapolis. … Before, I'd go to the gym to stay fit, but I wouldn't really enjoy myself. When I'm on my bike, I'm enjoying myself, and a by-product happens to be staying fit." State officials hope the trails also will attract people from outside Indiana. The is the largest continuous paved trail in the state, stretching about 50 miles from Gaston to Richmond. With a planned connection to the , which traverses Miami, Fulton and Howard counties, officials hope to create more than 150 miles of continuous trail on the northeast side of the state. Officials envision the Cardinal Greenway and other trails becoming tourist attractions, especially for people who want to bike on trails spanning more than 100 miles. They'll also see a slice of Hoosier life they wouldn't notice from the interstate. Although the , Bronson doesn't think the trail building will stop there. Bikers will "want to continue to the next community, connect to that next trail. They want more. We've seen workers finish laying trail, and people are on it before it even has time to cool off," he said. Robert Annis is a journalist who lives in Indianapolis. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
Happy Trails for Hoosiers
Thousands of miles of bike pedestrian paths help residents stay active and healthy
State and local leaders hope a massive investment in bike trails will be a pathway to economic development and a better quality of life for residents. Gov. Mitch Daniels, R, thinks so highly of the trails that in 2006 his administration outlined a in the state, ensuring that every resident lives within 7.5 miles of a pathway by 2016.Related
"We're pushing to grow as quickly as possible," said Bob Bronson, section chief for the . "We want to get people out of their cars and riding their bikes or walking as much as possible." Four years into the project, 350 miles of trails have been added in all parts of Indiana, for a total of 2,348 miles of off-road recreational paths. Bike trails are an important part of AARP's livable communities initiative, said Martin DeAgostino, communications director. "As people age — in addition to affordable and accessible housing — they should be able to get around easily and safely," DeAgostino said. "Dedicated recreational trails and bike lanes give people a way to stay active and enjoy their community." Every week, about 20,000 people run, walk or bike the that bisects northern Indianapolis and continues as the into the affluent suburb of Shops and restaurants are springing up along the bike path. In fact, Carmel City Councilman Ron Carter, R, attributes a large part of the success of the $500 million City Center project to the Monon. "The Monon is an amenity, like our version of beachfront property in the Carolinas," said Carter, who spent several years as executive director of the . "City Center might not be here without the Monon attracting the development community." One software company attributed the proximity of the Monon as the reason it leased space in a nearby building. "It was something they felt they could offer as an important lifestyle benefit to their employees," Carter said. Jim Creamer of Carmel started taking casual bike rides on the Monon several years ago and quickly became hooked. "I just started riding more and kept going farther and farther," said Creamer, 51. "At first, I never felt safe riding on the street, but on the Monon I could ride down to downtown Indianapolis. … Before, I'd go to the gym to stay fit, but I wouldn't really enjoy myself. When I'm on my bike, I'm enjoying myself, and a by-product happens to be staying fit." State officials hope the trails also will attract people from outside Indiana. The is the largest continuous paved trail in the state, stretching about 50 miles from Gaston to Richmond. With a planned connection to the , which traverses Miami, Fulton and Howard counties, officials hope to create more than 150 miles of continuous trail on the northeast side of the state. Officials envision the Cardinal Greenway and other trails becoming tourist attractions, especially for people who want to bike on trails spanning more than 100 miles. They'll also see a slice of Hoosier life they wouldn't notice from the interstate. Although the , Bronson doesn't think the trail building will stop there. Bikers will "want to continue to the next community, connect to that next trail. They want more. We've seen workers finish laying trail, and people are on it before it even has time to cool off," he said. Robert Annis is a journalist who lives in Indianapolis. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures