Can Bicycles Help Attract Talent?
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAnother step has been taken to help make downtown Indianapolis more attractive for professionals. The Pacers Bikeshare initiative will include more than two dozen stations along the city's cultural trail, which organizers say could be a key asset in helping area businesses attract top talent. The program is receiving support through contributions from the Herbert Simon Family Foundation. The bikes will feature the Indiana Pacers' team colors. Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc. Executive Director K?ren Haley discusses the effort with Barb Lewis in the Business of Health. Similar programs have taken hold in economically-competitive cities including Austin, Denver and Nashville.
April 4, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. today announced the details of a bikeshare program along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick. Pacers Bikeshare, as the program will be called, will consist of 250 bicycles and 25 bikeshare stations on or near the Cultural Trail in downtown Indianapolis and is scheduled to launch on April 22.
The Herbert Simon Family Foundation made a significant philanthropic contribution to help launch the program with additional funding coming from a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“A growing number of people want to live in places where they can connect to unique experiences and neighborhoods without needing a car,” said Mayor Greg Ballard. “Adding Pacers Bikeshare to our internationally recognized Cultural Trail will help attract, retain and connect people in Indy and take our growing bicycle culture to an entirely new level.”
Bikes are available by purchasing either a 24 hour pass for $8 or an annual membership for $80. Your pass or membership gives you access to a bike for unlimited thirty minute trips. Trips over thirty minutes will incur additional user fees as is standard with bikeshare programs around the country. 24 hour passes can be purchased at any bikeshare station or online and annual memberships may be purchased online at pacersbikeshare.org.
“Bikeshare programs are one of the newest and healthiest ways people travel around major cities”said Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. Executive Director K?ren Haley, “The Cultural Trail makes Indianapolis one of the best cities to experience by bike and the addition of Pacers Bikeshare will make it more convenient touse a bike on the Trail.”
“Thanks to our owner and his family, the Indiana Pacers are delighted to have their name associated with this service that will enhance the use of the Cultural Trail, add vibrance to the downtown experience and promote active lifestyles,” said Rick Fuson, Chief Operating Officer of Pacers Sports and Entertainment.
Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. ensures that the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick is a beautifully maintained and vibrant community asset that connects people and places in downtown Indianapolis. Indiana Pacers Bikeshare is a program of Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. Learn more at IndyCulturalTrail.org and PacersBikeshare.org.
Source: Pacers Sports and Entertainment