Indy DPW takes pedestrian safety into consideration as improvements begin on Monon, Pennsy Trails

INDIANAPOLIS — The Pennsy Path is Frank Anderson‘s main approach of getting round.

“Due to all of the visitors on Washington Road. It’s safer to get to Walmart and Kroger,” Anderson stated.

However the path isn’t only for errands.

“I’m utilizing it for recreation. I’m watching the rabbits,” he stated.

For Kevin Crenshaw, biking the path is about security.

“I experience the path. I acquired ran over. I acquired hit,” Crenshaw stated.

Three years in the past, he was struck driving his bike close to the intersection of sixteenth Road and Franklin Highway.

Now, he completely rides the paths, however says even they are often harmful.

“On the path, there was an older gentleman and he wasn’t dashing, however nonetheless he was on the path in his pickup truck,” Crenshaw stated.

Whether or not they’re misplaced or they’re attempting to take a shortcut, it’s a standard to see automobiles on the paths.

That’s one thing Indy DPW is hoping to repair.

“It’s time, as we proceed to spend money on that infrastructure, that we’re taking pedestrian security into consideration as effectively. Our engineering workers did that due diligence and recognized 22 crossings alongside the Pennsy and Monon the place we’ve seen incidents of vehicular visitors. So, we’re investing within the know-how to enhance that infrastructure,” Director Brandon Herget stated.

Indy DPW introduced Wednesday crews will start working to put in metal bollards at crossings across the metropolis the place security is of best concern.

The mission prices $115,000, together with the price of the bollards, development supplies and labor.

“In these particular intersections that we’ve recognized, bollards are the correct know-how. Particularly these bollards have the power to drop down. That’s vital for a upkeep perspective and in addition a public security perspective,” Herget stated.

Bicyclist Greg Spears is inspired by the information.

“I don’t know if it’ll preserve the golf carts or the off-road bikes off the path, however not less than it’ll preserve the massive automobiles off,” Spears stated.

He’s out on the Pennsy 5 – 6 occasions per week within the hotter months and is baffled that folks don’t comply with the posted indicators.

“At just about each intersection, it says no motorized automobiles,” Spears stated.

Though putting in bollards is one answer to the issue, Herget says it’s vital to proceed to report.

“I’d recommend contacting legislation enforcement. That’s one factor we tried to make everybody conscious of all alongside is that it’s really an criminal activity. So, ensuring that you just’re contacting the proper professionals that may take care of that’s vital,” Herget stated.

As development begins, and all through all the season, bike and pedestrian vacationers ought to count on partial closures of trails.

If residents witness a driver coming into a path with their automobile, they’re requested to report the incident to IMPD’s non-emergency line by calling 317-327-3811.