Pennsylvania Street to get bike lanes, cycling advocates pushing for protection
Nov 15, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS - As the Circle City works to improve safety, one of the main streets running through the Meridian Kessler area is receiving changes with bicyclist safety in mind.
However, pedestrian safety advocates are frustrated that more isn’t being done to protect them on the road.
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The stretch of Pennsylvania from Westfield Boulevard to 46th Street was recently repaved.
Some sort of bike lane is in the works, however, questions remain over what kind of indicator will be used.
Just a few weeks ago, the city held its first meeting toward eliminating all pedestrian fatalities by 2035.
“We think this is really important if we're going to be committed to Vision Zero, to have a long-term vision in mind of having protected networks across the city,” said Chris Holcomb with Bike Indianapolis.
Along the west side of the Pennsylvania Street corridor, the Department of Public Works said they are considering sharrows, or painted indicators on the pavement to provide a safer journey for cyclists.
They’re also looking at other design elements, but said they’re unable to share those at this time.
“The sharrows, unless you're dealing with somebody who's never been in the area, don't add anything to the mix,” said cyclist John Young. "I mean, everybody knows that drives through that area on a regular basis that there are a lot of bicycles on Pennsylvania Street."
Advocates with Bike Indianapolis released a letter stating that a protected bicycle lane is the best option for everyone sharing the road.
“Cyclists will tend to use a facility more if it's actually safe and comfortable to use, and so that's why this commitment to building a network of safe, protected bike infrastructure across the city is very important,” said Holcomb.
Since 2005, Young has taken the road to and from work a few times a week.
He said a designated lane is needed in the area and out of precaution for the bikers, he hopes it’s by the curb.
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“Anything that can be done to increase people's desire to be on their bike and the safety of being on that bike is a good thing,” said Young.
Several homeowners off camera, some that also cycle, said they believe the road isn’t busy enough to need more than just sharrows.
The Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association added they support a single bike lane that would not eliminate on-street parking for residents.
The Department of Public Works said the final design is in the last stages before implementation.