Bike to Farmers Market with Carmel Pedals

May is National Bike Month, and the perfect time to introduce your non-cycling friends to bicycling. Central Indiana Bicycling Association and The Bike Line of Carmel.

  With that in mind Carmel Pedals would like to invite you to join us for Carmel Pedals Bike to the Farmer's Market, a new, novice and family friendly cycling event hosted by Carmel Pedals,

You can join either of our Bike Trains from 2 Carmel locations for a short ride, starting at 9:00 AM, to the Carmel Farmer’s Market.  Free bike parking will let you enjoy the shops and treats of Farmer’s Market.  You can explore more on your own, or join the return Bike Trains, departing at 11:30 AM.

Special Bonus:  Anyone biking to the Carmel Farmers Market on Saturday May 21st can register to win a Saris SuperBones Car Rack, sponsored by Saris and Carmel Pedals.

What is a Bike Train? Bike Trains are casual group rides led by an experienced cyclist, the Conductor.  Each Bike Train Conductor acts as a guide and aide along the short 4-5 mile route.  Addition volunteers will be assisting each Conductor based on the number of pre-registered riders.

When:  Saturday, May 21, 8:30 AM to Noon
Where – 2 Start Locations, rides depart at 9:00 AM
West Side: Smokey Row Elementary, 900 West 136th Street
East Side: Forest Dale Elementary, 10721 Lakeshore Drive West

Destination:  The Carmel Farmers Market (www.carmelfarmersmarket.com) - Carmel’s Center Green, located adjacent to the Palladium

Return:   Bike Trains for return will depart about 11:30 AM

Helmets are required.
Youth rider guidelines: Young riders should be riding full bicycles and capable of riding the full distance (there is no vehicle support for this event).  While paths will be used on all routes, they will be using street crossings.  Youth bicycle trailers, child seats and Trail-a-bikes are also welcome.  NOTE: Children must be accompanied by an adult rider.  No Drop-Offs Please.

Carmel Pedals is new bicycle advocacy organization being formed to serve the needs of the Carmel’s diverse cycling community.  Carmel Pedals believes an effective Bicycle Advocacy organization is essential if our common interests are to be represented in the shaping the change that is coming.  Learn more at www.facebook.com/indiana.carmelpedals.

Why do bicyclists in Carmel need a voice?

(This summary was first presented to interested members of the Carmel cycling community in early 2016. )

Change is coming to Carmel:

• Change in how we live – more apartments, and senior living, with changing demographics and population density
• Change in where we work – more large scale, regional headquarters
• Change in how we get around – transportation projects to support larger employers, with a more mixed work force

Effective Bicycle Advocacy is essential if our common interests are to be represented in the shaping the change that is coming.  The goal for Carmel Pedal organizers is to create a broad interest Bicycling Community that can work for greater Safety and Facilities advocacy.

Create a Community

• Bring together casual riders, utility riders and enthusiasts to form a stronger voice, while demonstrating the breadth of community support for bicycling
• Identify the true needs of the cycling community, and identify specific problem areas
• Connect more new riders to the other regional, state and national resources

Safety Advocacy

• Law Enforcement - A dialog with local enforcement on their concerns, based on what they observe, what they enforce, and the complaints they hear concerning cycling.
• Cycling Community - Continuing the dialog in communicating these concerns with local cyclists
• Non-Cycling Community  - a safety message for those we share roads and trails with.

Facilities Advocacy

• Recreation – Connectivity must be made essential part of current trail network
• Road – road design must consider cyclists needs where path intersect and when the trail ends
• The Last Mile – destinations must be bicycle friendly, offering, safe, secure bicycle facilities that also support the needs of both casual riders and bicycle commuters

This summary is only starting point, and what we can accomplish depends on participation from all members of the bicycling community.  To learn more and stay touch, follow us on the Carmel Pedals Facebook page, or sign-up for Carmel Pedals emails.