Car-Free Day is recognized annually around the world to encourage people to use and learn about sustainable transportation options and resources in their communities.

Bicycles, buses and even skateboards are sustainable methods of transportation. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana UniversityParking and Transportation Services will mark the occasion by hosting a breakfast celebration for members of the IU Indianapolis community who leave their cars at home and commute to campus using a more sustainable mode of transportation. The event will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. Sept. 19 outside the east entrance of the Campus Center.

IU Indianapolis is also taking part in the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority’s corporate challenge. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to participate by signing up for Commuter Connect, which provides information about carpooling, vanpooling, and bus and bike services around central Indiana. Signing up does not require any type of commitment.

If going “car free” is not an option, drivers can still support sustainability by going “car lite.”

“We understand that commuting without a car is just not possible for many people,” said Amanda Keene, IU Indianapolis director of campus sustainability. “But going ‘car lite’ can go a long way in making a positive impact. That means walking or taking the JagLine instead of driving your car from one parking lot to another to get to a meeting; eating lunch on campus instead of driving off site; or carpooling if your team is going to an event on a different campus.”

IU Indianapolis and the city provide sustainable transportation options, resources and guidance all year round.

Bicycles

A bicyclist rides on the IU Indianapolis campus. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana UniversityFaculty, staff and students can register their bicycles for free with Parking and Transportation Services. Registration comes with a lifetime IU Indianapolis bike permit, access to bike storage rooms and a free bike lock.

A second bicycle storage room on campus was recently added to Room 1008 of the Health Sciences building, 1050 Wishard Blvd., to complement the existing storage facility in Tower Garage. Both spaces have bike repair stations; there are eight total stations on campus.

All Marion County residents can also register for a program that gives free access to Pacers Bikeshare bicycles, which now include a fleet of e-bikes. There are six Pacers Bikeshare stations on or near campus.

Buses

The JagLine shuttle service offers five routes. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana UniversityThe IU Indianapolis JagLine shuttle is a sustainable option for getting around campus and throughout the city. The shuttle runs five routes that include stops on the main campus, north campus, nearby dining locations and medical facilities. Route 5 connects to the IndyGo Red Line. IndyGo stops are located along Michigan Street on campus and on Indiana Avenue.

IndyGo bus passes are available for purchase in the Parking and Transportation office in Suite 205 of the Campus Center. Students are eligible for an IndyGo 31-day S Pass, which is 50% off the cost of a regularly priced pass.

Pathways

The Indiana Avenue and 10th Street expansion of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail officially opened in June. Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc.The Indianapolis Cultural Trail expansion at Indiana Avenue and 10th Street is now open. The new segment begins at the Madam Walker Legacy Center and continues on 10th Street to the planned bridge leading to the 16 Tech Innovation district. The expansion connects Indiana Avenue to the seven-mile Cultural Trail that connects to many of the most popular areas downtown.

Plans are underway to build a path for cyclists and pedestrians along University Boulevard from Indiana Avenue to Michigan Street, thanks to a $300,000 grant from the Indianapolis Department of Public Works.