Indy residents say ‘enough is enough’ after more cars drive, park on the Monon Trail

INDIANAPOLIS — It’s posted clear as day: NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES.

The indicators are positioned at entrances to the Monon Path all throughout Indianapolis, however that’s not stopping automobiles from driving and parking there.

“I’m fearful as a result of it’s very harmful as a result of solely pedestrians and bicyclists are alleged to be on right here and it’s not constructed like a traditional street,” Riley Choe mentioned.

Heading to the grocery retailer, commuting to work or simply taking in nature, Choe is on the path on daily basis.

“It’s a option to disguise away from town and it’s only a good place to chill out,” the 18-year-old mentioned. “We’re at all times caught in visitors on a regular basis. I want I might simply get out of my automotive and stroll down the road, so [the] Monon Path helps me try this.”

This week, two totally different automobiles in two totally different places have been noticed on the path.

These are usually not remoted incidents.

Bicycle owner Jarron Burdine estimates that over the previous yr and a half, he’s seen 15 to twenty pictures of tire marks, parked automobiles or automobiles driving on the path.

“It leads me to consider that individuals are simply being egocentric and considering that it’s not that lengthy and I can do that, it’s not a giant deal. These things isn’t constructed for automobiles. You’re going to destroy it. You’re going to harm individuals,” Burdine mentioned.

It is a difficulty WRTV has been reporting on since 2020.

Burdine created the Twitter account Indy Bike Lane Defense as a manner of protecting monitor these violations throughout Indianapolis.

“We’re simply making an attempt to doc each nook and cranny of town and present ’em how unsafe it’s,” he mentioned.

Indy DPW tells WRTV they’re conscious of the difficulty and are wanting into potential options.

You may learn the total assertion right here:

“Indy DPW’s crews and Path Upkeep Workforce proceed to dedicate efforts to making sure public security on trails, together with coordinating with IMPD and Metropolis officers to implement path ordinances.

Indy DPW engineers are presently assessing the most effective choices for discouraging motorists from driving on the Monon, whereas contemplating the necessity for upkeep and the security of path customers.

Residents must be reminded that driving on trails is against the law, and may obey posted signage at path intersections stating that automobiles are usually not permitted.”

WRTV additionally reached out to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Division to ask for numbers and knowledge involving automobiles on the Monon Path.

A spokesperson tells WRTV they don’t have these numbers as a result of the decision wouldn’t be capable to be searched as ‘Monon Path’ — an deal with must be connected and there are too many variables to look.