Activists speak out against unsafe local roads for bikes

Advocates for safer roads for bikes and pedestrians are speaking out about the lack of proper sidewalks and bike lanes in Indianapolis.

University of Indianapolis Professor Ana Maria Ferreira is a member of the Bike Indianapolis advocacy committee, and a bicyclist.

She said there’s not enough safe places to ride bikes in the city. 

“I think there are some trails and some efforts in building trails that are safe for bikers but biking in the city like commuting to work or going outside the trails is very difficult and even dangerous,” Ferreira said.

She said crosswalks and even flashing yellow lights are regularly ignored by many drivers who are driving too fast.

A bicyclist was recently hit and killed by a vehicle at the intersection of 86th street and the Monon trail.  The accident is still under investigation, but some say drivers are just not paying attention.

Ferreira said the city lacks proper sidewalks and bike lanes.

“The pedestrians and bikers are not safe and there’s not enough space,” Ferreira said.

Ferreira said the situation is also connected to other problems like public transportation or the lack of it. She also pointed to gentrification. In some affluent neighborhoods where trails, signals, and sidewalks are more visible.

The Bike Indianapolis advocacy committee meets regularly to work towards making roads safe with more bike lanes, bike trails and bike parking.  A meeting is planned Nov 9. 

Past efforts have helped to extend the Monon Trail and to pass an Indianapolis Complete streets ordinance.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @TaylorB2213.