To see the mission of National Bicycle Greenways in America you have to step on the pedals of our bike. It is only then, you’ll see what we see, from the bicycle perspective. We are going to share why greenways are vital to cities across the country. So, hop on and let us show you around an ideal urban greenway made for two wheels. 

SHIFT and RIDE

The power behind our vision comes from experience. We see what bike access does for human and planetary health, not to mention for community and connection. We have seen, first hand, the shift that happens when communities establish a safe bike focused area where people feel free to roam and explore. When communities shift, bikes get to ride, and people thrive.

This isn’t about taking cars completely out of the picture in our urban spaces, while we wouldn’t argue against that, we still have our feet (pedals) pretty close to the ground. The idea is that cities create greenways that allow bikes and pedestrians to really see cities. Greenways are how we bring back a bit of nature into our downtown spaces to complement the concrete that reproduces day after day. It’s about balance. 

MODEL and DUPLICATE

We have identified 20-anchor cities that have made efforts to be bike-friendly or are at least primed to do so. One of the best models we have to work with is Indianapolis and its cultural trail project. This trail consists of 8-miles (soon to be 10) that connect the 6-cultural centers of downtown Indy. Not only is it ideal for biking, but it also showcases the city’s heritage, diversity, and progress. The trail is full of sites and art installations celebrating various aspects of daily life. HERE is the Virtual Tour of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail that we have created.

Understanding the Cultural Trail is crucial to understanding how it can be duplicated in other cities. Not just from the end result, but also from how the project came to be. We’ve studied how the project started, how it was funded, how the local government was involved, the permitting process, and everything in between. Comprehending this process ensures we can do it in other cities. 

GREENING and STEWARDSHIP

We aren’t interested in pointing fingers as to how urban American cities have ignored the biking public. What we are interested in is to teach the leaders of these communities how investing in greener downtown spaces impacts the overall impression of a city and the quality of life for both residents and visitors. 

Most of us can agree that more carbon in our atmosphere is troubling. Cities tend to collect carbon due to more people occupying these areas. By placing opportunities for people to ride bikes (instead of a car) the city opens the door to a greener future. It’s not about playing politics so much, but practicing good stewardship. We aren’t here to make some moral argument, as much as we want to encourage our city dwellers and leaders that environmental stewardship is just good form. We think everyone wants the best environment possible to live, work, and play in. 

AESTHETIC and PURPOSE

Something we really love about the Indianapolis Cultural Trail model is the opportunity for aesthetic to meet purpose. We can all relate to wanting to live in aesthetically pleasing spaces no matter how big or small or ornate or minimalistic. Humans love aesthetics and are inspired by things that they find visually stimulating or awe-striking. 

Humans are equally excited about purpose. In fact, most of us thrive when we have a purpose. A city is no different, and its spillover impact on humans is life-changing. City-dwellers who connect with others in these purpose-driven areas, filled with art and aesthetics, bond together better. It’s a chance for people of all walks of life to see each other as having a common bond, and yes, purpose. 

So you see, connecting 20-anchor cities across America is not just about having a good bike trail to take a Sunday ride on. We envision new ways to connect, build new businesses, and thrive through these greenways. We are on a mission to create something greater, and we would love to have your support in that effort. We love input from other bike riders from all cities and would love to hear your thoughts. Be sure to check in regularly and come by our social spaces (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) to have more discussions about your bicycle greenway.