Plenty of credit for bike progress

I would like to thank the IBJ’s [April 14] editorial writers for acknowledging the explosion of Indy’s bicycling culture and amenities in the seven years since I took office, but I cannot in good conscience accept the credit single-handedly. Similar to the development of Indy’s downtown over many decades, our bike culture required many visionary leaders and great collaborative partners along the way, each of whom deserves credit.

We must recognize the vision of Brian Payne of Central Indiana Community Foundation for the Cultural Trail and the generous financial donation of Gene and Marilyn Glick who made it possible. This eight-mile trail connects the city, serves as the foundation for the Pacers Bikeshare, and is the focal point for much of the national and international acclaim our city is receiving for biking and urban progress.

I also want to acknowledge my two directors of the Department of Public Works. David Sherman understood that I wanted RebuildIndy to be more than resurfacing roads and rebuilding bridges. We had to leave something new behind, and that was “connectivity.” Sherman’s successor, Lori Miser, added to that great initial work and continues to add bike lanes and trails throughout Indy.

Finally, I want to thank Jamison Hutchins, our city project manager, for all things cycling, and the many great leaders in Indy’s cycling community. Their steadfast support and, sometimes, patience has allowed our city to remove the training wheels and pedal ahead at full speed.

Great things in Indy have always involved great teams and our rapid ascent in cycling is no different.
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Mayor Greg Ballard