The Holy Cross neighborhood is gaining two Pacers Bikeshare stations, soon to be located near Elevator Hill, the site of the former Angie’s List campus.
That news comes at a time when the overall Bikeshare numbers have hit new highs over the last four months. Bikeshare officials attributed the higher usage to the introduction of electric assist bikes, or e-bikes, unseasonably good weather and the launch of IndyRides Free, which thanks to support from the Herbert Simon Family Foundation provides free annual passes to Marion Country residents.
The Pacers Bikeshare system’s two newest stations opening this month are the system’s 52nd and 53rd. They will be located at 975 and 1095 E. Market St.– at the intersections of Cruse and Dickson streets. Each station will include 10 docks for e-bikes and classic bikes.
The stations are part of the Indianapolis Department of Public Works’ Elevator Hill street improvement project that’s bringing better stormwater drainage, more accessible sidewalks, newly paved roads, ADA curbs and landscaping along Market Street from Pine Street to Highland Avenue.
Kären Haley, executive director of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which manages Pacers Bikeshare, said the Elevator Hill stations will be in a prime location because there’s so much bike infrastructure nearby. “They’re near the Michigan and New York street bike lanes, and easily connect to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, the Monon and Pogue’s Run trails, just to name a few,” Haley said.
Ridership increased 51% August through November, over the same period in 2015, the program’s biggest year. These high numbers were fed in part by the popularity of IndyRides Free. Since that program launched on May 9, 2024, 79% of all bikeshare trips were taken by IndyRides Free passholders.
“Every city that adds e-bikes sees big ridership growth, so we expected that increase,” Haley said. “We’ve been blown away with the positive response from Indy residents for the IndyRides Free pass. The response has been phenomenal, and we are thrilled that so many residents are using Bikeshare as a result of the free annual pass for Marion County residents.”
The most dynamic change came in October 2024: This year’s ridership was 20,122 – more than double that month’s previous high, 9,755 in 2015.
“The popularity of Pacers Bikeshare and the addition of bikeshare stations are more than just an enhancement of affordable and active transportation options along our city’s trail and greenway network,” Haley added. “It’s also a reflection of the ongoing growth of Indy’s growing bicycle culture as well as people looking for ways to live in Indianapolis without a car”
Additional Facts
- Pacers Bikeshare Trips so far this year: 106,528, making this the busiest year since 2015 – which had 114,542 trips – and the second busiest year ever
- Pacers Bikeshare e-bike trips since e-bikes launched on May 9, 2024: 89,579 (91% of all trips)
- IndyRides Free Bikeshare trips since program started in May: 77,872 (79% of all trips since May 9)
- IndyRides Free Participants (people who have redeemed the pass and taken at least one trip): 3,314
Marion County residents may request free IndyRides Free passes at pacersbikeshare.org. Once Marion County residency is verified, registrants will receive an access code by mail within five to 10 business days.
