Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
Hoosiers on the Move
Under the leadership of Governor Mitch Daniels, Indiana published its first trails and greenways plan, Hoosiers on the Move, in 2006. Miles of rail-trails exist all over Indiana. As of August 2007, there are 180 miles of rail-trails open for use in the Hoosier State. The vision outlined in the Hoosiers on the Move greenways plan unites current trail systems and builds new trails, putting every Hoosier within 15 minutes (7.5 miles) of a trail opportunity. When the plan is complete, more than 2,000 miles of interconnected trails and bikeways on 27 corridors will have been built.
Why are trails important?
Trails provide a number of benefits you may not even be aware of! Just a few of the many benefits trails provide are:
- Economic: Numerous studies have shown that trails attract businesses to communities and boost tourism. Homeowners often see property values near trails increase, and trails can lead to new restaurants, bike shops, motels and more. – improving the quality of life for Hoosiers.
- Transportation: With growing concern over pollution and energy costs, more people than ever are looking for alternative ways to travel. By separating cyclists and pedestrians from vehicles, trail users can get where they're going quickly and safely.
- Infrastructure Corridor: Co-locating important infrastructure such as sewage, water, gas and cable lines underneath trails could serve an important dual purpose. Not only could this help pay for the cost of building trails, it could also bring important services - such as high-speed internet - to rural areas.
- Health: Trails provide Hoosiers with a place to recreate and exercise, which may lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and stress. Trails also connect neighborhoods to parks, natural areas, sports fields and community resources. Increased physical activity will reduce the chances of heart disease, cancer and obesity and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
How are we paying for the trail system?
Traditionally, trail development in Indiana has been paid for through a combination of federal and state funds, with local matching dollars coming from public and private sources. Efforts are also underway to develop partnerships with utility suppliers that would pay to install lines under the surface of the trails being developed in certain areas of the state, and to identify other philanthropies interested in investing in trail development. Under Hoosiers on the Move, Governor Daniels has also doubled the amount of money available to help fund local trail projects.
Where can I learn more about the Indiana trails plan?
Download a copy of the Hoosiers on the Move Plan *
View a map of Indiana's future trail network
View maps by region:
- Northwest Indiana
- Northeast Indiana
- West Central Indiana
- East Central Indiana (including Indianapolis)
- Southwest Indiana
- Southeast Indiana
What trails are being planned locally?
Planning for bicycle and pedestrian facilities continues throughout Indiana on the local level as well. Bicycle and pedestrian plans were approved in many communities, such as Fort Wayne, Northwestern Indiana, the South Bend-Elkhart area, Muncie, Indianapolis/Marion County, Hamilton County, Bloomington, Lafayette, Anderson, Goshen, the urban portions of Clark and Floyd Counties, Terre Haute, Madison, Zionsville and Kokomo. Many of these communities are refining their earlier plans.
Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Links
- Indiana Links:
- National Links:
- Adventure Cycling Association
- Bicycle Safety Activity Kit (English)
- Bicycle Safety Activity Kit (Spanish)
- Bikes Belong Coalition
- League of American Bicyclists
- NHTSA
- Rail Trails
- National Center for Bicycling and Walking
- Pedestrian and Bicycle information Center
- Bikes Belong
- Rails To Trails Conservancy
- Indiana Community Links
Please contact Jerry Halperin (317) 232-5476 if you have any comments or questions.
For media inquiries, please contact the INDOT Office of Communications at (317) 233-2412.
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