MITCH BARLOGA: Visits to grandfather inspired my career

This time, it’s personal. People ask me quite a bit about my passion for what I do, so here’s one explanation how it came about.

EDITORIAL: Indiana trails on bike trails, NWI must lead

Indiana has a reputation for not being bike-friendly, but Northwest Indiana is an exception.

Survey: Indiana not a bike-friendly state

A study published this month ranks Indiana among the nation's worst states for cycling and Illinois among the best, but one local planner said he believes the results are misleading.

Bicyclists say region trail network growing in popularity, more connections needed

Avid bicyclist Chris Husum can leave his house in Munster and ride out to Chesterton mostly using the region's trail network.

MITCH BARLOGA: Be a 'spokesperson' for National Bike Month

We have finally crossed into the warmer months in our region, which offer excellent opportunities to enjoy our communities by bicycle. Fitting, then, that May would be deemed National Bike Month, as it has been since its inception in 1956.

MITCH BARLOGA: Spring has sprung, so break out bike

Recently, I rummaged through my garage to get my bike ready for the season, along with my son’s. In the process it dawned on me that many of you might not be familiar with getting your own bike in shape – so consider this a quick guide.

MITCH BARLOGA: Valparaiso has worked hard on its pathways

A few months ago I lathered a heap of praise upon Hammond and its robust trail network. However, long before Hammond officials “caught religion” on this matter, Valparaiso was leading the way in developing a series of intercity trails and wide sidewalks. These efforts were duly recognized la…

MITCH BARLOGA: Blueways blossoming in Northwest Indiana

I first introduced you to our growing “blueways” network back in 2011. Since then a tidal wave of progress has swept over the Calumet region, and as our warmer days approach, it’s high time to highlight the great progress in water trail development in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties.

MITCH BARLOGA: Happy New Year and new you, too

Another year has crossed the finish line, and no doubt a metric ton of New Year’s resolutions to live healthier awaits. Lucky for us, our growing trail network offers everyone an opportunity to actually stick with these commitments.

MITCH BARLOGA: Swanson secured legacy for non-motorized culture

Northwest Indiana boasts a number of outstanding leaders who have brought a passion toward bettering our economic climate and quality of life. At the end of this month, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission Executive Director John Swanson, my boss, will retire from his position t…

MITCH BARLOGA: Quality of Life Indicators can include more

The 2012 Quality of Life Indicators Report provides a snapshot of a number of indicators, or socioeconomic factors, demonstrating progress or regression in these areas. It includes a number of “call to action” ideas to move our region forward. One Region is to be commended.

MITCH BARLOGA: In land of Carmaggedon, lessons on transportation

Arriving at the Long Beach, Calif., convention center, I settled myself in for the start of the conference. Up first was Fred Kent, with the Project for Public Spaces. No sooner do I take my first sip of coffee when I hear him say, “If you build around cars, you get more cars. If you build a…

MITCH BARLOGA: Encourage students to get back on their feet

National Walk to School Day, on Oct. 3, is a celebration of transportation independence for our youngest citizens. Schools around the world will participate in a variety of activities aimed at getting children to walk or bike to school.

MITCH BARLOGA: This summer, enjoy some night life on your bike

Last year I took part in my first night bike ride in Valparaiso. I was utterly fascinated with the surreal experience of gliding through neighborhoods amid a sea of LED bicycle lights providing a warm glow upon the dark streets. Being in the middle of the pack, the blinking red back lights i…

MITCH BARLOGA: A tri-state vision for Marquette Greenway

With National Trail Day being last Saturday (and with the immaculate weather I certainly hope you enjoyed a trail or two), I would like to focus on a major regional initiative.

MITCH BARLOGA: New region trail maps earn your pedal of honor

In 2008, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission released the first bicycle route map for Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. At the time, we printed roughly 100,000 copies, which were free of charge. These turned out to be hugely popular, and within two years we had run out of …

NIRPC releases updated trail map

HAMMOND | Bicyclists, hikers and kayakers can now reference an updated map as they navigate Northwest Indiana's trails.

MITCH BARLOGA: Enjoy the TEA while it lasts

Time for a brief civics lesson. I'll be gentle.

MITCH BARLOGA: Roundabouts are circles of life for bicyclists, pedestrians

Since my mum is a purebred Brit, I have been blessed to have visited England many times during my life. During these times on the island, I enjoyed many unique pleasures. Those included visiting ancient castles, entering a pub at 14 (not drinking, mind you), and experiencing a traffic contro…

MITCH BARLOGA: Keep sidewalks and trails clear of snow

Ah, winter. These frigid months provide a daily challenge to our quality of life. A couple of months ago, I wrote about riding your bike in the winter, which is very much doable. So much so that our neighbor to the north, Minneapolis, has taken over the mantra as the most bicycle-friendly ci…