Date of Award

2022

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Thesis

Department

Science, Technology and Society

First Advisor

Elise Edwards

Second Advisor

Julia Angstmann

Abstract

Indiana is known as the ""Crossroads of America"" for its historic investment in vehicle infrastructure. This focus on automobiles has shaped Indianapolis's urban landscape, to the dismay of many cyclists. Based on semi-structured interviews with a range of stakeholders in the Indianapolis cycling community, including urban planners, bike commuters, IndyGo employees, city government officials, and bike advocates, this project identifies and evaluates the current barriers that prevent Indianapolis residents from riding their bikes. These obstacles, which include infrastructural, safety, and social factors, make it more difficult than it ought to be to bike in Indy.

For my thesis project, I researched Bike Indianapolis's Neighborhood Rides and Bike Guide partnerships, as well as Bike Party and other independently organized rides, which allow cyclists to build their skills and enthusiasm for biking. Additionally, I interviewed stakeholders with different areas of expertise, who had numerous suggestions about what would help further Indianapolis's transition towards greater bike-friendliness, providing solutions to several of the challenges that riders face.

The project captures a moment in Indianapolis's history through the viewpoint of people passionate about cycling. Further, the solutions and suggestions in this paper can be used as a model for improving the city's bikeability. My passion for cycling and my position as an intern for Bike Indianapolis make me cautiously optimistic for a brighter future of biking in Indy.

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