See Pictures From Strawberry Festival
Celebrate day devoted to trail development
By DAILY JOURNAL
June 4, 2008
When Indianapolis began turning the abandoned Monon Line railroad track bed into a pedestrian-and-bike path, the idea was greeted with suspicion, if not downright derision.
Many critics claimed no one would use the trail, which originally was to run from the Indiana State Fairgrounds to the Broad Ripple area. Homeowners along the route said their property values would be decreased because of the increased activity in their back yards or else users would cut through their yards to reach the trail.
History has shown, though, that the trail has been used far more than even the planners had envisioned. Carmel and Indianapolis worked to extend the trail north, linking the cities. And real estate developers are now touting proximity to the Monon Trail when advertising nearby homes for sale.
In other words, the trail was a success...Read More
Governor Announces Grants for Trails
Governor Mitch Daniels announced a new trails initiative with $19 million to be awarded in grants. The links below are information .pdf files with the details and a statewide map.
By SARAH MICHALOS
Staff writer
May 15, 2008
Diane Smith wants to be able to pedal from her Center Grove subdivision to pick up a movie at the video store or stop for ice cream with her family. But when Smith rode her bike to Super Target on State Road 135 from her home in Eagle Trace to return a few items, she didn't feel safe. She said she wobbled down the painted line near the edge of the pavement as vehicles whizzed by, then she moved into the grass before taking a detour behind Home Depot and Applebee's to avoid traffic. "I consider myself more daring than most normal people, so I'll ride on the streets," Smith said. "But I shouldn't have to." More...
Cyclists to pedal to work
By SARAH MICHALOS
Staff writer
May 15, 2008
Friday, Hoosiers will ditch gas pedals for bike pedals. As part of Bike to Work Day, Indiana residents are encouraged to ride their bikes to work, cutting down on carbon emissions and getting some exercise. Although the event is one day, avid cyclist Bob Locke hopes people who give a motorless commute a try decide to make it a habit. "Not only is it very healthy, but it's also a very easy way to get around,"he said. "And with gas prices so high, More...
Group OKs Nearly $6.5M for Lakeshore Project
Merrillville--A development group has approved spending almost $6.5 million for lakeshore redevelopment in Whiting and East Chicago. The funding is part of the Marquette Greenway Plan, which calls for developing 21 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline for public recreation. Tuesday's grant is the third from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority to go toward lakefront development since January 2006. The $2.56 million appropriated for Whiting will be part of a $4.9 million package that will pay to bring utilities and other infrastructure to Lakefront Park. It will also fund a bike trail that will link with trails coming out of Hammond. The project also will receive $2.34 million from the federal government, the city, and the local BP refinery. "This project will transform Whiting" said Brian Lowry, city community development director. --Star news services-March 27, 2008
