05.20.2024

Today’s Forecast

🚲 Gear up for an adventure

US Bicycle Route System: 19,000+ miles of public bike routes to explore

Three bike route signs lined up in a row. All of the signs are green and white and depict a bike under the letters "US," with a number below indicating which route it is.

You may have seen signs indicating a bike route in the system without even knowing what it was. | Graphics via USBRS

Did you know that an extensive system of bicycle routes connecting cities like Indy and Chicago exists right here in the US?

The US Bicycle Route System (USBRS) is a network of numbered, developing bike trails that are officially approved by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Currently, the network features 19,000+ miles of bike routes, but it’s not pumping the brakes there; USBRS’s goal is to eventually establish a 50,000-mile bike route network that connects all of America.

While some of these routes span hundreds of miles, you don’t need years of training to take advantage of them — check out the trails local to us and explore how you might use them.

Know before you go

While the routes are open to all, most are designed for cyclists 16 or older who have at least a few years of bicycling experience. In other words, this isn’t where you should teach little Sally to ride a bike. Stick to local parks for that.
Not all routes are marked with signs, and route conditions can vary.
A red line on an individual route map indicates a shared roadway, while a green line indicates an off-road path.

A map showing parts of the south and midwest United States, with a red line running from Louisiville, KY to the Michigan border. — USBR 35A IN can take you down to our friends at LOUtoday or up to the Michigan border.
|
Screenshot via USBRS

Route this way

USBR 35A IN northbound + southbound, USBR 235 IN northbound + southbound

Connects: Michigan and Jeffersonville, IN + Indianapolis, IN and Seymour, IN.
Where they can take you: Cincinnati, OH; Chicago, IL; Louisville, KY; and more via connecting routes.
Short ride: Fun fact — the popular Monon Bicycle Trail is part of USBR 35A. Start at Frank & Judy O’Bannon Soccer Park and ride up ~4 miles to just south of Canterbury Park for lunch or dinner at spots like Diavola, Mama Carolla’s, or Half Liter BBQ.
Long ride: Did you know that you can get to the childhood home of Grammy Award-winning singer John Mellencamp via bicycle? Take the scenic, 122.5-mile USBR 235 southbound starting at Monument Circle through country roads and farmland, ending up in Mellencamp’s hometown of Seymour, IN. This route has a few hills — just try to convince yourself that it “hurts so good.”

Explore other US bike routes

Asked

How far would you travel via bicycle for a trip?

A. <5 miles
B. 5-20 miles
C. 20-75 miles
D. 75-150 miles
E. 150+ miles

We wheelie wanna know

Events

Monday, May 20

Medicare BINGO | Monday, May 20 | 6-7 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library Glendale Branch, 6101 N. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Learn about Medicare during this interactive presentation with prizes to be won.

Tuesday, May 21

Sailors + the High Seas | Tuesday, May 21 | 7-8 p.m. | Warren Performing Arts Center, 9500 E. 16th St., Indianapolis | Free | Experience the music of the high seas with the Indianapolis Symphonic Band.
Dance with Indy Contra | Tuesday, May 21 | 7-9 p.m. | Fountain Square Plaza, 1101 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Make new friends + dance the night away to live music — no lessons or partner needed.

Wednesday, May 22

Zoopolis 500 | Wednesday, May 22 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Zoo admission | Witness the “Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing,” complete with 500 Festival Princesses + a giant milk jug.

Thursday, May 23

$1 Giveback Night | Thursday, May 23 | 5:30 p.m. | Sun King Fishers, 9713 District N. Dr., Fishers | Cost of purchase | Show your appreciation for teachers — Sun King will make a $1 donation to Teacher’s Treasures per pint purchased.
Live at the Purple Lounge | Thursday, May 23-Saturday, May 25 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | IndyFringe Basile Theatre, 719 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis | $17-$22 | This play examines the lives of five women trying to make it in the cutthroat world of stand-up comedy.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Sports

Last night, the Pacers beat the Knicks in Game 7 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The team will face the Boston Celtics for Game 1 on Tuesday. (WTHR)

Development

Construction on the $78 million The Signature building in Carmel is almost complete, and local businesses will be moving in soon. Moontown Brewing hopes to open in June, Stout’s Shoes + Indie Lux Atelier are planning on August, and Harmony Steakhouse will follow later this year. (IBJ)

Sports

After taking home the first-ever National Pickleball League championship last year, the Indy Drivers kicked off the 2024 season last weekend in Chicago. Keep up with the team’s schedule + livestream games. (WTHR)

Regional

Last week, in response to a restauranteur’s legal battle to open a shop in Fort Wayne, an Indiana judge declared that “tacos and burritos are Mexican-style sandwiches.” Do you agree? Join the debate. (WTHR)

Active

Feeling inspired or terrified by the upcoming Olympic swim trials? The Swim IN Safety program has a goal of teaching 50,000 Hoosiers how to swim by the end of this Olympic year and is halfway there. Find lessons near you. (WTHR)

Community

Speaking of swimming: Local swimming spots are starting to open for the summer, including The Waterpark in Carmel, which dives in to its season on Saturday, May 25. Keep an eye on our newsletter for a roundup of other aquatic opportunities coming soon. (WISH)

Listen

Now that the Pacers are one step closer to the NBA Finals, find out what to expect next with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcast.

Jobs

The first day of summer is officially one month away. If you’re on the hunt for a part-time, summer job, Indy Parks and Recreation has 400+ open positions, from camp counselors to lifeguards. Did we mention lifeguards will receive a ticket to the US Olympic Swimming Trials in June?*

Plan Ahead

Your Memorial Day weekend plans just got sweeter. The inaugural GAZEBO Festival (co-headlined and hosted by Derby City rapper Jack Harlow) is headed to Louisville, KY on Saturday, May 25 + Sunday, May 26. Here’s everything you need to know — from the full lineup to ticket options. Snag a pass.*

Home

You deserve beautiful, energy-efficient windows and doors. Renewal by Andersen^® is offering buy one, get one 40% off + $200 off your order for a limited time.*

Trending

🏡 Just checkin’ in

The Indy 500 drives huge Airbnb traffic for Indianapolis in 2024

A modern living room with a wall mural of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

If you’re a race fan, this is the place for you. | Photo via Airbnb

Local Airbnb hosts know: The Indy 500 is just one of many events this year causing a huge surge in demand for places for out-of-town visitors to stay overnight.

Over last year’s Indy 500 weekend, local hosts collectively earned nearly $1.5 million from welcoming guests from around the world, and this year may just beat that number.

Here are a few of the top origin cities guests are coming from:

Houston
Milwaukee
Chicago
Dallas
St. Louis

In a surprise twist, guests who already live in Indy made the list of top origin cities as well (aka locals booking stays for friends and family visiting for the big event).

If you’re still looking for a place for loved ones to stay so that you don’t have to host them, you might have some luck with our unique local Airbnb guide.

The Buy

Group A, The Buy 5.20.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

An excellent summer hydration bottle: Hydro Flask’s 32-oz. stainless bottle with a flex straw lid. Color “Sugar Crush” is only available for a limited time, and it’s so cute and summery, we’ve got all the heart eyes for it.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Shea

From the editor

I can’t lie to you guys, I got really excited when I saw the Sailors + the High Seas event pop up. One of the high points of my life was a Laser Quest party in high school during which the employees blasted the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack. Speaking of which, y’all know any places to play laser tag?

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