9/7/2006 Media Contact: Whitman Communications, 317-262-2660

More Cyclists Likely To Pedal To Penrod

On Saturday, September 9th, thousands of art lovers will attend one of the season's most popular events -- the Penrod Arts Fair on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This year, it's likely that more of them than ever before will arrive by bike, thanks to the region's growing demand for alternative transportation and to the Pedal & Park program.

"In 2006, we've seen a strong commitment from people who prefer to get around by bike when they can," says Matthew Klein, President of The Greenways Foundation which founded the program. "Pedal & Park provides them with free, secured bike parking at greenways-adjacent events throughout the spring and summer. As a result, area traffic congestion and related air pollution is reduced," he says. "Everyone wins, especially those who enjoy the benefits of exercise and travel convenience."

Previous 2006 Pedal & Park venues include Earth Day Indiana, Bike-To-Work Day, the Broad Ripple Art Fair, Carmelfest, and the Indiana State Fair where a near-record 1,302 cyclists took advantage of the service despite three days of rain during the 12-day event. So far this season, Pedal & Park has served more than 2,200 cyclists at five events.

At  Penrod, people can park their bikes for FREE in the fenced, continuously monitored Pedal & Park bike corral located at the historic red bridge that connects the Central Canal Towpath to the museum grounds (For easy corral access, cyclists should ride the towpath.).  As program sponsor for the sixth year, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will pay $1 for each bike parked between 9 AM  and 5 PM. Proceeds will be shared among the participating not-for-profit organizations whose volunteers supervise the corral, including the Central Indiana Bicycle Association, the Greenways Foundation and the Indiana Bicycle Coalition. The MPO also provides media/public relations support and volunteer/literature display shelters as program sponsor.

"Thanks to Pedal & Park, more people than ever are bicycling as a fast, healthy alternative to car travel," says Mike Dearing, MPO Manager/Master Planner. "We are proud to support this program as part of our effort to build a more bicycle-friendly community."

The Pedal & Park Program encourages the use of non-motorized transportation alternatives, promotes use of the Indy Greenways, dispenses relevant transportation and recreational literature, and raises funds for partnering not-for-profit organizations. To volunteer as a corral supervisor, call 317/255-0559. For more information on the Pedal & Park program, visit www.greenwaysfoundation.org/pedalpark.

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