We are Awoken – Cycling in a Post-NAHBS Indianapolis

Over the last few years, Indianapolis has been moving towards cycling with a new bike lanes initiative, legislation in the works to enact a three-foot passing law, a Mayor's Bike Ride, and growing media coverage. Still, the winter interrupts our cadence. When the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) rolled into town in the middle of February; it came with more than just pretty bikes. It came with a reason to wake up, stand taller, and suck in our guts.

"The city was alive with energy," says Nancy Tibbett, Executive Director of the Indiana Bicycle Coalition. "The number of people who rode to the show, in spite of the colder temperatures, was astounding. Our parking corral was full to capacity on Saturday afternoon."

NAHBS is well-over now; and the city has taken on a bit more colour. "It is probably too early to tell if the show created any increase in advocacy or memberships," Tibbett says, but we both agree that the city's morale has been greatly affected since the show bikes were packed up and shipped out.

"It was inspiring to see the number of bicycles chained together on the streets and to feel the energy from the show vendors, sponsors, and participants," said Tibbett. It was as if the Indy cyclists needed to see the thousands of others from across the country and the world who came not only to see our city, but also ride our streets, inhale our chill winter, and enjoy our Circle.* It reminded us that our streets, our trails, and our city are things to be enjoyed.

*In the centre of Indianapolis, a large roundabout called Monument Circle surrounds the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, erected in 1887-1901 and dedicated to the 24,000 "Hoosiers" who gave their lives in the Civil War. It was designed as the city's focal point and as a gathering place.

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