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.

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…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Hammond transforms with bike, walking trails

This coming weekend, the inaugural Whiting Hammond After Midnight, or WHAM Ride, will take place.

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 …

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…

MITCH BARLOGA: Advocate safe biking and walking in your town

A couple of months ago, I wrote about contacting candidates for elected office regarding their views on nonmotorized issues. I made it a point to emphasize this because our elected officials play a significant role in effecting change in a community. This should be obvious.

MITCH BARLOGA: Time for riders to gear up for 'bike winter'

Sometime ago, I heard the phrase, "It's not cold outside. It's how you dress." When it comes to bicycling in our harsh winter climate, this wisdom certainly holds true.

MITCH BARLOGA: Bike and hike the vote

Tuesday is Election Day. Some look forward to this much like oral surgery, which is sad. True, over the years a once-sacred process of our democracy has evolved into a cacophony of negative ads and finger-pointing. Becoming familiar with our candidates, however, offers a great opportunity fo…

MITCH BARLOGA: Horses need trails too

About a month ago, at the tender age of 42, I rode a horse for the first time. Other than cluing you in on my deprived childhood, I mention this because my job is that of a "non-motorized" transportation planner.

MITCH BARLOGA: A 'Back to the Future' approach to healthier kids

Most of us know that in "Back to the Future," Michael J. Fox was transported to the year 1955. Interestingly, a vast majority of children either walked or biked to their local school then -- no matter what grade level.

MITCH BARLOGA: Paddling the 'Great Northwest' Indiana

When we think of canoeing and kayaking, we usually picture such an activity taking place along a river or lake among a majestic landscape as those found in Canada and the Rockies, or perhaps within a beautiful state or national park. If I told you that excellent paddling opportunities exist …

MITCH BARLOGA: Our region's trails are yours to discover

By the early 1900s, Chicago was well established as the premier railroad hub for the Midwest. These railroads helped build a majority of our Northwest Indiana municipalities. However, by the 1980s, about half of these railroads were abandoned due to an increased reliance on truck traffic. Se…

MITCH BARLOGA: As easy as riding a bike? Really?

May is National Bike Month. With all the Hallmark holidays and such that cloud our calendars, you probably overlooked this. Fair enough, but this affords me an opportunity to delve from extolling the benefits of bicycling to a simple and overlooked issue — how to ride a bike.

MITCH BARLOGA: Ditch the car and dust off the bike

Last month, I wrote about creating a "nonmotorized culture" in Northwest Indiana. This is quite the ambitious vision considering our car-happy attitudes.

MITCH BARLOGA: Burn some fat cells to fuel your transportation

"America is growing ... fat." Back in 2005, I made this quip within the pages of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission's 2005 Ped & Pedal Plan, which highlighted strategies to help our region bike and walk more. The 2010 update to this plan has just been completed, and th…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Waiving sidewalks is disservice to pedestrians

The debate was fierce at the Crown Point Plan Commission that night. A developer was challenging their wisdom in requiring a short stretch of sidewalk along the main drag accessing his proposed subdivision. There were no other sidewalks nearby, but the street accessed several existing subdiv…