Ideas Accepted Until September 27 for Local-Motion Grants to Fund Bike/Ped Programming in Bloomington

(BLOOMINGTON) – The City of Bloomington Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Commission (BPSC) is seeking ideas that incorporate bicycle and pedestrian mobility into local events, programs, or other community activities. 

Local-Motion grants of up to $1,500 per project will be awarded to proposals for initiatives that celebrate and promote Bloomington’s walk- and bike-friendly culture and advance active mobility accessibility. 

Grant recipients will be announced October 12 during the City’s inaugural Fall Family Bike Festival, a celebration raising the awareness of unrecognized and underserved members of the bike/pedestrian advocacy community.    

Nonprofit organizations, locally owned businesses, and neighborhood associations are invited to email a short summary of the proposed idea, along with a timeline and budget, to the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Mallory Rickbeil and schedule a meeting to review the proposal by September 27.  After the meeting, grant seekers will be directed to complete an online application by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 4 and prepare a short presentation of their proposal to the BPSC Monday, October 7 at 5:30 p.m.  Prospective applicants may find guidelines for Local-Motion grants here.  

Proposals may encompass any number of activities that showcase biking and walking as safe, practical, economic, and sustainable forms of transportation.  Whether envisioning a live performance, tour, class, or other activity, Local-Motion grant seekers should propose programming to complement and activate the City’s bike infrastructure.  Emerging and established organizations and businesses may submit ideas for projects that take place within Bloomington city limits. 

“Bloomington’s rich legacy as a bike town becomes ever more relevant in our push for sustainability,” said Mayor John Hamilton.  “As the City continues to invest in making biking and walking more viable and pleasant, we encourage local groups to apply for these funds to keep expanding our lively bike community.” 

Local-Motion Grant award winners will be announced at the screening of the documentary Motherload at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, Saturday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets to the free screening may be reserved here.   The screening is part of a series of events taking place October 10-13 designed to recognize the diversity of those who bike and walk, provide access to formal and informal peer networks, and foster a sense of belonging within the larger bike/pedestrian community.  Events include e-bike and family/cargo bike demos, a night ride and dance party, and a community bike swap, among other activities. 

Grant seekers should send a brief summary of their proposed idea to Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Mallory Rickbeil at rickbeilm@bloomington.in.gov and schedule a meeting to discuss the proposal at 812-349-3529.