Carmel looks like its got some nice infrastructure. Even the poor bits in your commentary are better than lots of places have. And great demonstration of using a cargo bike for domestic chores!
Yep, since Carmel is doing so much better than most cities its size, I'm holding them to a higher standard and making sure to point out where we can do better just so that we are setting a proper example, even on the micro level.
You could also continue on the Monon to the Nora area to get to ALDIs, Target, Whole Foods. or Krogers. Not sure if it would be a be a longer trip but less cars and roads to cross.
Interesting intro to Carmel, IN. Seeing it by bike is a pleasure and the city's development of bike infrastructure (especially, the separated bike/pedestrian trail) makes Carmel appear to be ahead of many cities - even larger ones. That Monan Trail is a hidden treasure that I hope will expand in length and connectivity. It can be a showpiece. I appreciate your infrastructure critique. Cyclists need to organize and participate in public meetings to demand better infrastructure. Your video is a good demo of how to painlessly perform a routine task on a bike. Thanks for the upload.
The paths remind me of Denver. Really makes me yearn for the day that there is a national bicycle highway system (think highways/streets/roads but only for bicycles and peds)
We enjoy it so far. Is it perfect? No. However, we feel they are doing so much better than most US cities and in my book that is a win. Thank you for watching!
I have some duel lane round abouts on my commute to work, great for cars but a death trap for everyone else. The ramp down to road level lines up perfectly so even a small car waiting at the line obstructs it.
That looks like a lovely US city with some great paths. I went to the USA for work 20 years ago and spent 2 years in North Virginia. It really was awful and barely any pavements (sidewalks) let alone anywhere for bicycles.
@@AmericanFietser I used to cycle along Rt 7 is northern VA. No cycle paths and very aggressive drivers. People shouting at me and once stopped by Loudoun county sheriff for 'cycling while pregnant'. Went home about a month after that incident.
Thank you, Brandon. Love your advocacy. I decided to subscribe here after your podcast conversation with John Simmerman on Active towns. When my wife and I make it to Carmel, maybe we can take you out for a beer if you are around.
Wife and I are looking to move to Carmel, believe it or not. Much of the downtown area looks terrific, and will only get better as some of the young pathside trees grow.
If you're for some reason watching my video and possibly moving to Carmel, I know I'd be happy to have you! It can be a hard city to get in to ($$$$), but if you can, it's pretty nice. If you ever have questions, feel free to email me or reach me via Twitter. @AmericanFietser americanfietser@gmail.com
The first 3 minutes of this video, I swear that could be any average Dutch town. Also these cobble roads function as a natural "barrier" in the Netherlands to slow down cars. We also make streets narrower to not invite speeding. And roundabouts instead of traffic lights! I agree the design of the roundabouts could be improved. Carmel looks completely alien compared to American standards. I bet people from all over USA would love to live here. btw, you probably already know this channel, but just in case: www.youtube.com/@NotJustBikes
What little handle bar bag is that if you don’t mind me asking? Have been following you on twitter and just finished watching your podcast with Active Town….Great watch! Thanks for everything you do.
Hi James, thank you for watching and commenting here! The bag in the center of the stem? That is the Tern Ride Pocket. This bag is amazingly utilitarian and we have one on each of our bikes. I have never found one that is as simple and useful as this. I'll put a link for you. www.ternbicycles.com/us/accessories/471/ridepocket
There is a shop that does this and for at least 3 season of the year, our paths are packed. Again, midwestern people don't really know how to be outside for very long in colder winter temperatures. Fortunately after living in Minnesota for a few years, I learned how to do it.
@@AmericanFietser A video of the shop sponsored ride might be nice. It would also give a shout out to the shop. THey could put the video on a loop and run it in their shop showing the trail ride.
@@AmericanFietser A sponsored ride in the winter to bring people out and ride to a coffee or hot chocolate stop might be a nice way to break up the winter blues. It should be easy for a bike shop to do since they have a mailing list of customers.
It's a multi-use path. I don't judge anyone who takes the sidewalk when riding. It simply means they don't feel comfortable sharing space with cars. So, they either ride where they feel safe or they use a car. The decision is simple.
Carmel looks like its got some nice infrastructure. Even the poor bits in your commentary are better than lots of places have. And great demonstration of using a cargo bike for domestic chores!
Yep, since Carmel is doing so much better than most cities its size, I'm holding them to a higher standard and making sure to point out where we can do better just so that we are setting a proper example, even on the micro level.
You could also continue on the Monon to the Nora area to get to ALDIs, Target, Whole Foods. or Krogers. Not sure if it would be a be a longer trip but less cars and roads to cross.
Another great video Brandon!
Thank you!
Interesting intro to Carmel, IN. Seeing it by bike is a pleasure and the city's development of bike infrastructure (especially, the separated bike/pedestrian trail) makes Carmel appear to be ahead of many cities - even larger ones. That Monan Trail is a hidden treasure that I hope will expand in length and connectivity. It can be a showpiece.
I appreciate your infrastructure critique. Cyclists need to organize and participate in public meetings to demand better infrastructure.
Your video is a good demo of how to painlessly perform a routine task on a bike. Thanks for the upload.
Truly amazing bike infrastructure, I would’ve thought that this was Amsterdam.
The paths remind me of Denver. Really makes me yearn for the day that there is a national bicycle highway system (think highways/streets/roads but only for bicycles and peds)
The whole of the Netherlands is that
Carmel is a lovely city.
We enjoy it so far. Is it perfect? No. However, we feel they are doing so much better than most US cities and in my book that is a win. Thank you for watching!
I have some duel lane round abouts on my commute to work, great for cars but a death trap for everyone else. The ramp down to road level lines up perfectly so even a small car waiting at the line obstructs it.
That looks like a lovely US city with some great paths. I went to the USA for work 20 years ago and spent 2 years in North Virginia. It really was awful and barely any pavements (sidewalks) let alone anywhere for bicycles.
What you saw 20 years ago is still the widespread situation in the US, but now with bigger roads and vehicles.
@@AmericanFietser I used to cycle along Rt 7 is northern VA. No cycle paths and very aggressive drivers. People shouting at me and once stopped by Loudoun county sheriff for 'cycling while pregnant'. Went home about a month after that incident.
Thank you, Brandon. Love your advocacy. I decided to subscribe here after your podcast conversation with John Simmerman on Active towns. When my wife and I make it to Carmel, maybe we can take you out for a beer if you are around.
I appreciate that Gary! Yes, please let me know if/when you ever visit. I'm not the best tour guide, but I'd be happy to go for a ride and a beer.
So envious of your flat terrain.
Loving the new commentary, def gets me more involved with the video
I appreciate that feedback! I didn't know if it would be helpful or not, but I'm finding that most people enjoy it.
They should install big concave mirrors at those exits onto path.
Wife and I are looking to move to Carmel, believe it or not. Much of the downtown area looks terrific, and will only get better as some of the young pathside trees grow.
If you're for some reason watching my video and possibly moving to Carmel, I know I'd be happy to have you! It can be a hard city to get in to ($$$$), but if you can, it's pretty nice. If you ever have questions, feel free to email me or reach me via Twitter.
@AmericanFietser
americanfietser@gmail.com
The first 3 minutes of this video, I swear that could be any average Dutch town. Also these cobble roads function as a natural "barrier" in the Netherlands to slow down cars. We also make streets narrower to not invite speeding. And roundabouts instead of traffic lights! I agree the design of the roundabouts could be improved.
Carmel looks completely alien compared to American standards. I bet people from all over USA would love to live here.
btw, you probably already know this channel, but just in case:
www.youtube.com/@NotJustBikes
Hehe, yes NJB is a friend of mine. 😉 Thank you for watching.
Another beautiful ride! Totally jealous! My side of Birmingham, AL doesn't even have sidewalks. Is 5°C cold?
41F
What little handle bar bag is that if you don’t mind me asking? Have been following you on twitter and just finished watching your podcast with Active Town….Great watch! Thanks for everything you do.
Hi James, thank you for watching and commenting here! The bag in the center of the stem? That is the Tern Ride Pocket. This bag is amazingly utilitarian and we have one on each of our bikes. I have never found one that is as simple and useful as this. I'll put a link for you. www.ternbicycles.com/us/accessories/471/ridepocket
@american fietser
could you do an update on the construction next to the trail with the mixed use and stuff?
You'll see it in future ride videos. As for now, progress is very slow, so there's not much to show yet.
@@AmericanFietser alrighty, thanks for updating me about that :)
Maybe send link to your vids to your Cityhall.
I don't think Carmel city officials are interested in me or my work.
How do you stop the mouth-breathers from throwing trash in your bike box when you leave it parked in public?
English is not my native, but "mouth-breathers" is hilarious.
So few cyclists on the bike path.
Maybe a local bike shop should organize a group ride to encourage more people to ride bicycles.
There is a shop that does this and for at least 3 season of the year, our paths are packed. Again, midwestern people don't really know how to be outside for very long in colder winter temperatures. Fortunately after living in Minnesota for a few years, I learned how to do it.
@@AmericanFietser A video of the shop sponsored ride might be nice. It would also give a shout out to the shop. THey could put the video on a loop and run it in their shop showing the trail ride.
@@AmericanFietser A sponsored ride in the winter to bring people out and ride to a coffee or hot chocolate stop might be a nice way to break up the winter blues. It should be easy for a bike shop to do since they have a mailing list of customers.
Is that a bike path or are you on the sidewalk at 5 min? Personally, I think it gives fietsers a bad name if we ride on the sidewalk.
Does the official detour take you on the sidewalk?
It's a multi-use path. I don't judge anyone who takes the sidewalk when riding. It simply means they don't feel comfortable sharing space with cars. So, they either ride where they feel safe or they use a car. The decision is simple.
Indiana needs more environmentalists and bicycle riders.