5/15/2007 Media Contact: Whitman Communications 317-262-2660

Broad Ripple Art Fair Offers Cyclists Free Parking

Art lovers, sun worshippers and anyone else who pedals to the upcoming Broad Ripple Art Fair this weekend can enjoy free, secure parking at the Pedal & Park bike corral. This service is underwritten by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the region's primary transportation planner, which has sponsored the program since 2001.

The 37^th Annual Broad Ripple Art Fair will take place this Saturday and Sunday, May 19 & 20, on the grounds of the Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67^th Street. It is the third Pedal & Park event of the season which began with Earth Day Indiana in April and continues with Bike-To-Work Day on May 18th. "The number of area cyclists who enjoy the convenience of the Pedal & Park corral at spring and summer events has grown each year,"  says Tom McCain, who coordinates the program. "We expect 2007 to be our biggest yet!"  In addition to the Broad Ripple Art Fair, upcoming 2007 Pedal & Park events include Carmelfest (July 3-4), the Indiana State Fair (August 8 - 19), and the Penrod Arts Festival (September 8).

Area cyclists riding to the Broad Ripple Art Fair along the Monon Trail, or other appropriate routes, can check their bikes into the fenced, continuously monitored Pedal & Park bike corral for free. The corral will be located along the Monon Trail south of the trail entrance to the Art Center, north of 65^th Street. Bike parking will be available from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday.

As season sponsor, the MPO will pay a $1 per bike parking fee to the volunteer organizations who supervise the corral, including The Central Indiana Bicycling Association (CIBA), The Greenways Foundation, Indy Parks Greenways, and the Indiana Bicycle Coalition (IBC). In addition, the MPO provides volunteer and literature display shelters and communications/public relations support as part of its sponsorship.

"Thanks to programs like this, more people are turning to cycling as a healthy, convenient alternative to car travel," says Mike Dearing, MPO Manager/ Master Planner.

"Supporting Pedal & Park is part of our multi-modal planning effort to relieve traffic congestion, improve air quality, and develop a more bicycle-friendly community."

Founded by The Greenways Foundation, the Pedal & Park program encourages use of non-motorized transportation alternatives, promotes activity on Indy Greenways, dispenses relevant recreational literature, and raises funds for partnering not-for-profit organizations.

For more information on the Pedal & Park program, including times and directions, visit www.pedalandpark.org.

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