SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike's opening Industry Breakfast next Wednesday will feature a keynote address by Brian Payne, the founder of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and the president and CEO of the $725-million Central Indiana Community Foundation.
The Cultural Trail is a $63-million, eight-mile, bicycle and pedestrian pathway that connects every significant arts, cultural, heritage, sports and entertainment venue in Indianapolis' downtown. It was created by taking a lane of traffic from cars and dedicating it to people on foot, bikes, self-balancing scooters and wheelchairs.
According to a 2015 survey conducted by Indiana University Public Policy Institute, more than half of the business owners along the trail said they have seen an increase in customers since the Cultural Trail opened, and 48 percent indicated they have seen an increase in revenue.
"The success of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail is indisputable, as the bike business, general local business and property values have all increased since it was completed," said Tim Blumenthal, the president of PeopleForBikes. "We need retailers to attend this session to not just learn about what Brian and the city of Indianapolis did, but to come away with ideas on how similar trails or projects can be created across the country to boost local businesses and get more people on bikes."
Also speaking is Bob Lucey, the chairman of the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority and the Washoe County Commissioner of District 2 in Reno, Nevada. With Interbike's 2018 move to Reno/Tahoe, Commissioner Lucey will give retailers and suppliers an overview of how the city has evolved from a small gambling town to a thriving tech center and outdoor community. The area has changed tremendously in the last 10 years, and those who haven't visited in that time frame will hear firsthand why the region was chosen as the new home for Interbike.
The breakfast is presented by PeopleForBikes, the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association and the National Bicycle Dealers Association. It will take place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in the South Pacific Ballroom at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20. This is a first-come, first-served event with a limited number of seats available to Interbike attendees. Only 500 guests will be admitted — attendees should plan to arrive as early as possible.
