Bike Transit Indy: A New Advocacy Group

Bike Transit Indy

Bike Transit Indy is a new cycling advocacy organiztion in Indianapolis.  We aim to provide energetic and focused advocacy by cyclists on behalf of cyclists in our city.  We will hold our organizing meeting at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 5 at the Liter House (5301 Winthrop Ave,), just off the Monon Trail.

Here is a draft of our mission statement.  We offer this as a point of departure, and are open to suggestions for revision an enhancement.

D R A F T

Mission Statement for

Bike Transit Indy

Bike Transit Indy is a new bicycle advocacy group that is designed to reflect the experiences, interests and needs of those who rely on cycling for transportation around Indianapolis.  While we do not see ourselves as opposed to or incompatible with recreational cyclists, we do think that we have a perspective and a set of needs that should be represented in deliberations and planning for the development of cycling in the city.

In keeping with this perspective, we hold the following positions:

1.   Cycling infrastructure must be seen as a necessary and important part of the complete transportation network of the city.  It is neither a luxury nor an amenity; it exists to serve the real needs of people trying to navigate the city.

2.   Cycling infrastructure should be considered as a system, designed to enable cyclists to travel to all corners of the city, and it should be developed in that way.  Accordingly, we need to think about connecting disconnected sections of our cycling infrastructure, and we need to work diligently to bring needed infrastructure to areas of the city that have thus far been neglected.

3.   Our goal is to provide all cyclists in the city with safe routes to the places they need to go—to work, to school, to shopping and entertainment venues.  We will work to identify the routes and areas that need new infrastructure, and we will advocate for these needs with city officials.

4.   The essentiality of cycling infrastructure means that we should maintain it and protect it.  When it is necessary to close a bicycle path or lane, we should plan alternative routes well in advance.  We should strive to maintain our cycling infrastructure so that it is safe and functional.

To advance these positions, we aim to take the following actions:

1.   To hold periodic meetings with and for cyclists to identify their needs and to develop strategies for advocacy.

2.   To exercise the rights of citizenship in petitioning elected officials and their agents for changes in policies and investments in infrastructure that will improve the environment and infrastructure for cycling in the city.

3.   To maintain a list of needs, including maintenance and infrastructure development, and to remind city officials of the need to address these needs.

4.   To monitor city planning for cycling infrastructure, and to lobby for adjustments that will make new infrastructure effective and integrated into the existing system.

5.   To hold our elected officials accountable for their commitments, particularly in areas to do with sustainability and the quality of life in the city.

6.   To monitor the Complete Streets Ordinance, and to make sure that the development and redevelopment of our roads honors this ordinance by ensuring safe passage for all users.