HMBA was trying to get the Park hours changed in 2010. We were lead to believe that was going to happen, but at the last minute, Indy Parks did not change the hours. Were were given different reasons at different times, but they basically were
- Too dangerous
- Indy Parks couldn't afford the extra park ranger support needed
- It would lend support for those pushing to change the hours on the monon
The Park ranger comment was silly, as Town Run is at the bottom of the list of Parks having issues that need the Park Ranger's attention. I only saw a Park Ranger once last year. Changing Park hours would have no impact on this.
In order to quell the too dangerous comment, we did the paper work to hold a weekly night ride at town run, and no one was injured. Despite some very cold nights the night rides went without a hitch.
Last year I asked again to change the park hours and was denied. HMBA knew that Indy Cog was fighting the hours battle on the Monon. Indy Cog contacted cities across the Nation and no other city had a dawn to dusk policy on paved paths. HMBA decided to let the focus be on the Monon hours battle, and we encouraged mountain bikers to support their efforts. While Indy Cog was successful in getting the Park hours changed, that change was opposed by Indy Parks, and Indy Cog had to go to the Mayor to get the change in policy made.
HMBA is still working to get the park hours changed. We are at a point where we need your help. Please contact the Mayor Ballard and express the need for extended park hours for natural surface trails in Indiana. Please be positive and constructive. Talk about other places you night ride, the positive impact of night riding, what you currently do to continue to exercise with the lack of sunlight.
http://indy.gov/eGov/Mayor/getintouch/Pages/ContactUs.aspxThanks,
Paul Arlinghaus
