Green BikePort

INDIANAPOLIS: NIFS BikePort at White River State Park, along with new BikePorts at Government South and Dennison garages, will help Indianapolis become greener as more cyclists take to bike paths rather than their cars, lowering emissions and helping air quality. But there is another way that NIFS BikePort is helping the environment.

In partnership with Midwest Indiana Concrete Association (MICA), NIFS will be showcasing a newer type of pavement on its BikePort Bikeway: pervious concrete. Pervious concrete is a mixture of coarse aggregate, cement, water and little to no sand. Its construction is porous, allowing rainwater to filter through to the underlying soil, rather than running off into drainways, sewers or local streams or rivers. By modeling natural ground cover, pervious concrete is an excellent way to manage stormwater for several important reasons.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stormwater can send as much as 90% of pollutants, such as oil and other hydrocarbon liquids, directly into rivers and streams. Pervious concrete has been recognized by the EPA as best management practice to address this vital environmental concern because it provides a medium for aerobic bacteria to break down many pollutants. Pervious concrete also contributes to enhanced air quality by lowering atmospheric heating through its lighter color and lower density, decreasing the impact of heat that comes from replacing grass or tree-covered areas with dark pavement surfaces. Pervious concrete also doesn't elevate the temperature of storm water like conventional pavement, which when released into streams and ponds can stress or kill marine life, water plants and helpful bacteria. Warmer water can also decrease the amount of oxygen in streams and estuaries, which, in turn, can decrease development of fish eggs, young fish and plankton – the first link in the marine food chain. Pervious concrete also allows trees and landscaping to grow close by without choking root systems that are able to drink freely underneath pathways. For all these reasons, pervious is a great choice for the environment.

Pervious concrete is also a great choice for walkers and bikers. Because of pervious concrete's drainage ability, there will be no puddles or standing water to get flung on clothing as cycle wheels pull excess water from pathways. Lack of extra water also means less slipping. In winter conditions, it can improve icy conditions due to its ability to absorb water before it has a chance to freeze on the surface. Air also goes through the pavement, keeping ground temperatures warmer and allowing ice to melt quicker, saving money on snow removal or wait time for pathway conditions to improve before resuming walking or riding.

Pervious concrete is inhabited by microbes, which are activated by Indiana soybean oil that is used to seal its surface. As water passes through to the concrete, microbes eat contaminants collected from the surface. The water then enters the soil, which further breaks the contaminants down. This sealant is environmentally safe and its overspray is absolutely harmless to plants and animals. It is the most environmentally friendly product of its kind. In addition to environmental benefits, using our state's soybean products is great from a agricultural standpoint, as well.

The NIFS BikePort at White River State Park became possible through a partnership with the City of Indianapolis and a Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant TE. It was a recipient of a Facade Improvement Program Grant, which was funded by Indianapolis Downtown, Inc and Midwest Indiana Concrete Association (MICA) was a major contributer to the project.

NIFS BikePort Partners include the City of Indianapolis; INDOT; IUPUI; Central Indiana Commuter Services; Bicycle Garage Indy; IndyGo; Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.; Mussett, Nicholas & Associates; Ratio Architects; Greenways; and INShape Indiana.

White River State Park BikePort at NIFS is a naming opportunity for a corporate sponsor. Contact Stuart Lowry, White River State Park, for more information at 317.233.2432.

For more information on NIFS BikePort at White River State Park, visit www.nifs.org/BikePort.asp. For more information on White River State Park, visit www.inwhiteriver.com; for more information on Indy Greenways trails, visit www.indygreenways.org. For more information on all Indiana BikePorts, including those at Denison Garages, visit www.inbikeport.org .

For more information on Smock Fansler, visit www.smockfansler.com.

For more information on pervious concrete, please contact Cheri Wagner
at 317.872.6302 at the Indiana Ready Mixed Concrete Association.

For more information on Cycle-Safe lockers, visit www.cyclesafe.com.
For more information on Clancy Park-by-Phone, visit www.park-by-phone.com.