INDIANAPOLIS (August 6, 2018) –  The Indiana Bicycle Trails Task Force delivered its midterm report to Governor Eric Holcomb and Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch.

“The goal of this task force is to connect existing bicycle trails and create positive recreational opportunities around the state,” said Lt. Governor Crouch. “I’m eager for the task force to take Indiana to the Next Level with our trails, which will benefit the economy, quality of life and tourism.”

Three subcommittees have been established within the taskforce and are working on the following goals:

• Safety – discuss the most recent survey data and existing statistics on bicycle related accidents and causes, look at existing regulations pertaining to bicycles and draft recommendations on improving the safety regulations;
• Funding – review all potential funding sources, whether it be federal, state, municipal or private and present a list of creative funding options; and
• Trail Corridors – present a series of recommendations to enhance state trail planning, including criteria for new corridors, prioritization of existing corridors, branding and funding options.

“The task force is right on target with its goals,” said Kyle Hannon, Indiana Bicycle Trails Task Force Chairperson. “I think we’ve been given the opportunity to create something special and to make Indiana the premier state for trails and bicycling in the U.S.”

State Representative Wes Culver (R-Goshen) authored the bill that created the Indiana Bike Trails Task Force. Culver believes connectivity is key, and trails can create a mechanism for communities to work together.

“Not only will every community, city and town benefit from statewide connected trails, but also our visitors, especially since in 2016, we a saw record number 79 million visitors to Indiana,” said Culver. “Bike trails will also improve the quality of life, helping to draw young and old into our state to find jobs.”

The task force will prepare a report with their ideas and recommendations to the legislative council and Governor no later than July 1, 2019. The next task force meeting is September 26, 2018.

The Indiana Bicycle Trails Task Force is a group that was established by the Indiana Legislature and took effect on July 1, 2017. The task force was appointed by Governor Holcomb. To learn more about the Indiana Bicycle Trails Task Force, click here.