Ditch the car and pick up a bike. More than 125 miles of trails cross the region, with several more miles added every year.
by Rick A. Richards
Travelers who prefer to do their sightseeing on two wheels instead of four have more than 3,000 miles of bicycle trails across Indiana to choose from.
There are more than 125 miles in Northwest Indiana and that is growing by between five and seven miles a year, says Mitch Barloga, the non-motorized transportation planner for the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission.
“The idea of bicycle trails began back in the 1970s,” says Barloga, “but it wasn't as extensive or organized as it is today.” Back then, nearly all trails were shared with cars and trucks, and a lot of times four-wheeled vehicles weren't too keen on sharing. There was only one true bicycle trail and it extended just nine miles. “It was the Calumet Trail and it was mostly impassible,” says Barloga.
The network of bicycle trails didn't grow much until the 1990s when efforts began to convert abandoned rail lines into biking and hiking trails. Barloga says that's when things took off.
“We created our Ped & Pedal system,” he says. “It's a true non-motorized transportation system.
Although NIRPC doesn't have the ability yet to track the number of riders using the region's trail network, Barloga says it's clear through anecdotal evidence that they are popular and are becoming more popular.
“In surveys from businesses looking for a good location, sidewalks and trails are at or near the top of their list,” he says.
“We're spending $1 million to $2 million a year to expand our network but we're getting $10 million in requests a year,” says Barloga.
Even though trail popularity is growing, Barloga says there is still a lot of “not in my backyard” feelings, especially in more rural areas. “We get a lot of concerns about privacy, so we work with residents one-on-one. We've put up bushes and walls to address those concerns,” says Barloga.
The biggest myths about the trails are that they increase crime, liability and reduce privacy. “That's not the case. In fact, in some places where people have requested privacy fences, we've put them in only to be asked to come back to take them out. We've had cases where the people who complained are now among the biggest users of the trails.”
Barloga says crime has actually fallen along the trail. “Instead of an abandoned, overgrown rail line, it is now a well policed and maintained trail and people are using it. Liability is a non-factor.”
For bicyclists, the trails are heaven, says Barloga. “They're asking for more and more amenities – signs, drinking fountains, benches and restrooms. And we're doing what we can to accommodate them.”
One of the newest – and longest – trails is the Erie Lackawanna, which stretches 17 miles from Crown Point to Hammond. It's part of a whole network of trails that eventually will stretch from Chicago across the region to New Buffalo, Mich.
“One thing we try to provide with the trails is an economic benefit,” says Barloga. “We've found that large businesses coming to the area, like the trails.” Cabela's worked with the city of Hammond and built a bicycle trail, and the Ameriplex at the Port built its own trail that connects with our existing trails. “It's open so any bicyclists can use it,” says Barloga.
Paul Jellema of Trek Bike Shop in Schererville, loves the region's trails. He ridden them all, and uses them every day – rain, shine or snow. “We sold one of our cars,” says Jellema. “I ride to work every day. It doesn't matter what the weather is outside.”
Jellema likes the fact the region's bike trails are growing each year. “It's got a lot nicer over the last few years, and I think drivers are becoming more aware of bicyclists,” he says. “The trails have been huge in increasing the popularity of biking, and it's been a huge part of our business.”
Just a few years ago, major highways like U.S. 30 and U.S. 41 in Lake County were impassible barriers for bicyclists. There wasn't any safe way to get from one side to the other so it kept bicyclists penned up on one side of the highway.
With the trail networks, overpasses and underpasses have been built, making it easy for bicyclists to get around, says Jellema.
As the trail network expands further south to places like Lakes of the Four Seasons and Hebron in Porter County, more people are taking advantage of them. “These trails are the best kept secret in Northwest Indiana,” says Jellema. “They're phenomenal.”
John Hall of The Avenue Bike Shop in South Bend says bicycling has become more popular in recent years, especially for people looking for a way to keep in shape.
“We're seeing a lot of people use the trails to commute to work, especially for those who live within three to five miles of their office,” says Hall.
He says he rides as often as he can and says what's most enjoyable for him is the slower pace. “It's much more relaxed than driving, and I like the people I meet.”
In the places where trails force bicyclists to share the road with motorists, Hall says more drivers are aware of bicyclists and are more respectful than they used to be. With that, Hall says bicyclists need to pay more attention to safety by adding lights and reflectors to their bikes and to always wear a helmet.
Hall says bicycling is a year-round activity. “There is no such thing as bad weather for bicyclists,” he says. “The problem is wearing the wrong clothing.”
At The Bike Stop in Michigan City, owners Todd and Trina Walsworth of Chesterton not only sell bicycles, they repair bikes, promote bicycling by hosting their own events and simply ride for pleasure as often as they can.
“There are all kinds of bicycles people can choose from,” says Todd Walsworth. Bicycles can cost a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the materials being used. “You can get going on a bike that costs just a little over $300,” he says.
“What kind of riding do you want to do? We're here to help. All of our builders are certified mechanics and they make sure the bike fits you,” says Todd.
The Bike Stop also accepts old bikes as trade-ins for new ones, just like auto dealers.
“We're seeing a huge surge in biking,” says Trina Walsworth. “The trails are expanding, but here in LaPorte County, we seem to be missing the boat a bit. We're not expanding as quickly as the counties around us.”
Still, the bike outings organized at The Bike Stop take advantage of what trails there are in the area. “It's a great way to get out and see the county,” says Trina. “It's also a great social gathering. We have 30 to 40 riders and we're out to have fun.”
Trina says one of the regular rides is the Ride of Silence in which participants don't talk throughout the ride to honor bicyclists who have been killed or injured while riding. This year's ride leaves from The Bike Stop on U.S. 20 at 7 p.m. on May 16.
One of the biggest bicycling events in the region is hosted by the Indiana University Health LaPorte Hospital Foundation. The annual Tour de LaPorte was first held in 2002 with just 275 riders. Last year, 1,293 riders participated, and Liz Sawaya, development manager for the foundation, says more are expected this year.
“We've seen a lot of growth, so much that we're adding running events, too.” Sawaya says the Tour de LaPorte isn't a race. “You're only racing against yourself.”
The event was created after board member Larry Noel, an avid bicyclist, brought the idea to the foundation's board, says Sawaya. “He thought it could be a nice fund-raiser.”
It turns out he was right. In the past 11 years, the Tour de LaPorte has raised more than $300,000, with that money set aside to help cancer patients in-need pay for their treatment.
Sawaya says the feedback the foundation has received has been positive. “What we've heard is that people like the way the event is organized and that they have learned to appreciate the beauty of rural LaPorte County.
This year's Tour de LaPorte will be held the weekend of Aug. 24-25. Bicyclists have the opportunity to take part in 5-, 15-, 25-, 40-, 60-, or 100-mile rides. Sawaya says a time trial has been added this year, and that all participants will be timed through use of a microchip. The event begins and ends at Soldiers Memorial Park in LaPorte.
“We're really excited about this year's event,” says Sawaya. “We've seen 5 to 10 percent increases in entries the last two years and we expect to see that this year.”
