More than 200 people gathered in the Visitors Center at Wellfield Botanic Gardens in early May to celebrate our trails and raise some needed funds. We expanded what has been our annual dinner to include a silent auction at a beautiful venue. We are so grateful for all the friends who joined us that evening and hope that even more …
We are still learning and trying to ascertain what changes at the state and federal level will fully mean for our work to build more trails, but we do know there isn’t much money allocated for trails in the short term. Indiana’s Next Level program, which had invested $180 million in trail-building, was not funded in the biennial state budget …
We spend a lot of time in meetings as we lay groundwork for more trails, but we’re excited to be offering times that you can gather along the trail network to get updates and see things first-hand. We did our first Trail Talk earlier this summer at Mooey’s, the ice cream shop between Goshen and Middlebury, and were delighted to have …
This summer included a fabulous program to help teach bike maintenance, a big need in our community. The Ready to Ride Junior Bicycle Mechanics Program was coordinated by Josh Robeson and Colleen New and included a three-week bicycle mechanics class in June for twelve middle school students at the Tolson Center. They met three days per week for safety and mechanics training, …
We are excited to help host Melissa Bruntlett, an advocate for inclusive design in our communities, for the next Building Blocks Talk. She will be speaking on “Cycling Towards Empathy” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 2, 2025, in Goshen Theater Ballroom, 216. S. Main St., Goshen. Building Blocks Talks bring speakers to Elkhart County to share how design, planning, and preservation strengthen …
We’ve been hearing concerns about how fast some users are going on the trails, especially with e-bikes. We want to clarify what’s allowed and remind everyone of safe trail etiquette. E-bikes can be a great option: they extend range, make biking possible for those with physical limitations, and help families ride together. But because they can increase speed, inconsiderate use …
This June, young people in Elkhart will have the chance to learn hands-on bike repair skills through the Junior Bicycle Mechanics Program at the Tolson Center for Community Excellence. The program will be led by Josh Robeson, an Americorps member serving the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition, and Colleen New, an educator who has facilitated various bicycle education programs with and for the South Bend Bike Garage. The effort …
We’re also working to support more community biking and running events through a new Lending Library for nonprofits. This resource will allow organizations to borrow essential equipment for events along our trail network, helping remove logistical barriers so they can focus on bringing people together. We believe that every group, no matter its size, should have access to the tools …
Trail improvements continue to make a difference across the county. One of the most exciting updates is the completion of the new bridge along US 33, which strengthens connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians alike. Each new connection like this helps more people move safely and comfortably, whether they’re heading to work, running errands, or enjoying the outdoors. Thank you to the …
After 23 years, we’re reimagining the Pumpkinvine Bike Ride—starting with a new date! Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 6, but that’s not the only update. We’re making changes to better serve our riders, volunteers, and the long-term sustainability of this event. At its peak in the early 2010s, the ride drew over 1,000 cyclists and 100+ volunteers. But in …
We’re excited to launch a new bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group in the Wakarusa & Nappanee area. If you’re interested in helping shape the future of walking and biking in your community, we’d love for you to be part of this effort. Join the Community Advocate Group » With so much happening, there are plenty of ways to get involved. …
Wow what a year. We’re doing the math and are amazed at all that’s been accomplished, thanks in no small part to the hard work and support of coalition partners. Here are some of the numbers: 3.35 — Miles of new trail since 2022, with 4.25 more miles improved. One bridge and 1 new mile are in progress $2.9 million — Total …
