Indy DPW to Block Motorists from Monon Trail

Preparing for new bollards at East 49th Street

In apparent response to media coverage (on WTHR television and in the Indianapolis Star) about motorists driving on local multiuse trails, Indy’s Department of Public Works has taken action. Beginning on March 22, 2023, DPW has begun the installation of bollards to block vehicular traffic on certain segments of the Monon Trail; as well as some portions of the Pennsy Trail. Similar traffic-calming devices have long been in place on trails in Hamilton County, especially the highly popular Monon Trail.

Along the Pennsy, 12 to 15-inch diameter sections of trail pavement were recently spotted leaning against signposts near intersections; the holes left in the pavement have been covered by bright orange construction barrels. Along the Monon, some holes are covered by barrels and some by the familiar neon green construction cones.

Monon at Gradle in Carmel

The apparently sudden proliferation of drivers on the Monon in Indy, especially in the Broad Ripple area, caused much consternation for trail users. More than twenty instances of motor vehicles on the trail have been reported by trail users to Indy Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Crisis, a clearinghouse website for information about local accidents and obstructions. Although the presence of a motor vehicle on such trails may seem trivial, there are recorded instances of deaths caused by distracted motorists going “offroad.” nbsp;

Sadly, ruts in the grass next to the Pennsy suggest that some east-side drivers remain undeterred by the city’s efforts to keep them off the trail. Nevertheless, kudos to the city and DPW for their attempts to make trail users safer

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