Indiana Commuters Trade Horsepower for Pedal Power

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Spring has arrived, which means that more and more commuters are reaching for their bicycle helmets instead of their car keys. Last year, many Hoosiers chose to ride a bike on their daily commute after they became frustrated with rising gas prices and congested traffic. Now that winter is over, bikers are dusting off their rides and getting back into the bike lane.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is promoting commuting alternatives with video podcasts, or vidcasts. The first vidcast is about commuting on bicycles, and it can be found at www.idem.IN.gov/4099.htm. 

The vidcast features IDEM employees who ride their bike to work on a regular basis. The employees explain how biking helps them save money, get some exercise, and help improve air quality. They also talk about ways motorists can help make cyclists' commute safer.

"I'd like for people to understand the rules of the road a little better," said Sarah Finley, an IDEM employee who bikes often. "Bikes actually have to act as legal vehicles on the road."

IDEM promotes alternative commuting methods, such as biking, because it reduces emissions from motor vehicles, which is the largest source of ozone-forming emissions.

"We want to draw attention to other ways to get to work other than driving personal vehicles," said IDEM Commissioner Thomas Easterly. "Riding a bike can be a healthy and safe way to get to work and run other errands."

The City of Indianapolis is also promoting biking with Bike to Work day, today, Friday, May 15. Bikers were treated to free breakfast and bike parking on Monument Circle, while others can visit the booths to learn more about biking and alternatives to regular commuting. For more information about Bike to Work day, visit www.bicycleindiana.org.