Bike Michiana

resources, news, observations and ideas about bicycling in the Michiana area

Members Needed for State Trails Advisory Board

Posted by Paul Taylor on December 2, 2008

There are openings for bikers on this Indiana DNR board. In my opinion, cyclist, paddlers, and hikers from Michiana need to be well represented in this sixteen-member group of volunteers, and there are currently four openings. Read more in the South Bend Tribune and keep us posted if you apply to join.

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged: , , | No Comments »

Bicycle Trivia Quiz

Posted by Paul Taylor on December 2, 2008

Not trivial stuff here - some pretty important issues

I’m not a lawyer, but I have spent quite a bit of time studying bicycle laws and funding. Some of the things I have learned prompted me to write this little quiz.

Take the quiz now…

Now see the answers…

Here’s more trivia for people who like such stuff…

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Belt driven bikes - new/old technology

Posted by Paul Taylor on November 24, 2008

Two new bikes are on the market: both have replaced the chain with a belt. Both are striving to win converts to bicycles. Read the full story in the South Bend Tribune.

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Pumpkinvine Update in Elkhart Truth

Posted by Phil G-E on November 24, 2008

The Elkhart Truth published this article today about updates to the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Here are the first two paragraphs of the story:

The dream of linking Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana with a 17-mile recreational path suddenly seems to be clipping along.

“I think it’s been unbelievably fast,” said Larry Neff, superintendent of parks for the Elkhart County Parks Department. “It’s just unbelievable.”

Posted in Routes | Tagged: | 2 Comments »

South Bend to DeKalb (NIU) Via Trains and a Monkey Bike

Posted by Henry Scott on November 22, 2008

I hesitated before buying a folding bicycle because, frankly, I thought I’d hardly use it. And, although it is true that I don’t use it often, the “monkey bike” has added a new dimension to my utility cycling. Now I wonder why I didn’t get one sooner! Here are a few details from my latest trip: from South Bend to DeKalb, IL (home of Northern Illinois University).

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Posted in Ride Reports, Routes | Tagged: , , , , | 1 Comment »

South Bend Bike Station Team Moving Forward

Posted by Jeff Nixa on November 17, 2008

The newest Bike Coalition team is reaching a critical mass of committee members and activity.  After four monthly meetings the South Bend Bike Station team has identified several key projects and volunteers to move forward on those projects. 

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Posted in Advocacy, Facilities, News | No Comments »

Tribune Editorial: “A cycling plan”

Posted by Henry Scott on November 16, 2008

The Tribune deserves a lot of credit for its coverage of local cycling issues. As we become a more bicycle-friendly community, such publicity is quite welcome, and they’ve been generous with their resources. Their articles have been informative, varied and balanced. Today’s Our Opinion, “A cycling Plan“, takes a strong and positive position regarding the value of Michiana becoming a bicycle-friendly community. Their support is much appreciated!

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Tribune Editorial: “The high cost of cheap fuel”

Posted by Henry Scott on November 16, 2008

The Tribune editorial board wrote an Our Opinion on November 13th entitled, “The high cost of cheap fuel“. Their point is that the recent drop in gas prices should not be interpreted to suggest that the need to reduce fuel usage has passed — just the opposite: now is the time to step up our conservation efforts. I completely agree and was impressed to see the message articulated so clearly.

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Two Cyclists Injured While Riding Illegally

Posted by Paul Taylor on November 16, 2008

Two men were breaking three Indiana laws when they were hit head-on in Elkhart by a motorist. The three laws they were breaking:

  1. Riding against traffic.
  2. Riding at night without a headlight visible for 500 feet.
  3. Riding ‘double’  (more people on a bike that the bike was designed for).

This was a rare case in which the cyclists were issued a citation. In Indiana, traffic citations are not issued unless a police officer actually witnesses the violation. The motorist was an off-duty Elkhart policeman. Read the full story.

Posted in News | Tagged: | 2 Comments »

First Steps Toward a Bicycle Friendly South Bend

Posted by Jeff Nixa on November 15, 2008

Bike Michiana Coalition members Pete Colan and Jeff Nixa met with South Bend officials on November 14 to review the process for South Bend’s Bicycle Friendly Community application.  Present were Chris Dressel and Mike Divita of community development, city engineer Carl Littrell and public works director Gary Gilot. 

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Posted in Advocacy, Commentary, News | No Comments »