Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. announced the opening of the Pacers Bikeshare system expansion at a ribbon cutting event with Mayor Joe Hogsett and other community leaders. The expansion adds 275 new bicycles and 21 new bike share stations in neighborhoods and destinations along the city's bicycle network including the Monon Trail, making Pacers Bikeshare a more viable mobility and recreation choice for residents.
Also announced, a grant from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation provided the final local match needed to expand Pacers Bikeshare.
"Anthem is fortunate to have our headquarters located alongside the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, and we're pleased to be a part of this private-public partnership," said Robert Hillman, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. "More bikes mean more options for physical activity, connecting more residents to our city's diverse neighborhoods, restaurants, local businesses and entertainment amenities."
"This is an exciting day for Indianapolis, as we become an increasingly more mobile and connected city," said Mayor Hogsett. "The Pacers Bikeshare expansion provides greater bike share access to our citizens specifically along our city's growing bicycle infrastructure. Pacers Bikeshare, combined with the newly opened Red Line, provide more and better access to affordable mobility options for our residents, improve quality of life and clearly illustrate Indianapolis is an innovative and forward-thinking city."
"Pacers Bikeshare is Indianapolis' community bike share program and we're excited to make it free for people to ride for the opening of our expansion," said Kären Haley, Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc. executive director. "With almost 50 Pacers Bikeshare stations to get a bike, we are bringing stations and bicycles to more neighborhoods and destinations with this expansion. We are grateful to the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation and Herbert Simon Family Foundation for their generous philanthropic support to bring more bikes to people in our city."
The $1.2M Pacers Bikeshare expansion is funded a Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant through the City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works with local match funding provided by the Anthem Foundation and the Herbert Simon Family Foundation. Station locations were selected with significant community input and in coordination with the existing 29 stations.
Launched in 2014, Pacers Bikeshare is Indianapolis' community bikeshare program and is a public private partnership between the City of Indianapolis and the non-profit Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. Bicycles are available at any of the 48 Pacers Bikeshare stations or through the BCycle mobile app. The Pacers Bikeshare EveryBody Rides program offers free community rides for residents wanting to try Pacers Bikeshare and discounted access for residents who qualify.