Monon/86th Street 

The intersection crossing of the Monon Trail at 86th Street is one of the most dangerous pedestrian and bicyclist crossings in the city of Indianapolis, as noted by numerous crashes and injuries. This intersection is not just any crossroad; it's a bustling hub where more than one million trail users annually and an average of 35,000 vehicles daily converge.  

Why is this important?
The 86th Street and Monon Trail intersection continues to be a crash-prone crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists. This specific intersection has led to many near-misses, crashes, injuries and even deaths.

In the fall of 2021, Bicycle Garage Indy's beloved employee Frank Radaker was killed at this intersection while riding his bike to work. Since then we have been working with Nora Alliance and other community organizations and individuals to effect change at this intersection. We have focused on changes that can be made immediately to improve safety until such time as the ultimate solution of a bridge or tunnel can be built. 

The loss we experienced is not an isolated case but a symptom of a larger problem that needs immediate attention. We cannot afford any more losses due to inadequate safety measures at this intersection.  The current safety measures are insufficient to protect those who use this trail. Strong Towns Crash Analysis Studio January 2023 pointed out factors creating the dangers at this intersection and made recommendations of short-term and long-term fixes for the safety of all who travel through the intersection.

We have been working on getting a permit for a Tactical Urbanism and Art in the Right of Way project to hopefully pave the way for more permanent changes until a bridge or tunnel can be built. We also hope the changes made in our project can be made permanent as an interim measure and also duplicated throughout the city of Indianapolis where greenways intersect with roadways.

We are asking for action to remedy the impact of future crashes, injuries and death. Action items could include, but not limited to:

• Raised crossing walkway
• Corner bumpouts
• Installation of pedestrian refuge in the center of 86th St.
• Upgrading signals to be black exterior and include reflective borders
• Install additional signage leading up to and at the intersection
• Paint on the roadway with "TRAIL XING" prior to the intersection
• Gateway signage  
• Lower speed limit to 20 mph from Westfield Blvd to Nora Plaza

We want to work with the city of Indianapolis to ensure the Monon Trail continues to be a safe and accessible for all people and lives up to its designation as a Rails-to-Trail Hall of Fame Trail. 

• On Friday, June 14, we installed the curb bumpouts, temporary bollards and temporary crosswalk.  PHOTOS
• On Saturday, June 15, we installed temporary rumble strips and started marking and painting the sidewalk. PHOTOS 
• On Sunday, June 16, we installed additional temporary crosswalks and finished painting the sidewalk on the north side of the road and continued taping out the sidewalk art on the south side of 86th St.  PHOTOS
• On Monday, June 17, we finished taping, priming and painting the south sidewalk. PHOTOS
• On Tuesday July 2, a group of volunteers replaced 11 of the 13 bollards and on July 18 & July 23 colorful stenciled artwork was added to the sidewalk train tracks by YMCA teen group PHOTOS
• Between July 18 & 23, Indianapolis DPW refreshed the Monon Crosswalk across 86th, moved the stop line further from the intersection, and added a permanent crosswalk on the north side of 86th St.  

• Crosswalk on south side of 86th St, and widening of crosswalk across 86th St to be installed by Indianapolis DPW - TBD
• “TRAIL XING” in travel lanes on 86th St to be installed by Indianapolis DPW - TBD

• Traffic Study - videos still needed by October 15
• Safety Survey #2 - deadline extended to October 15, 2024
• Traffic Study Evaluation - to be completed by 11/1/24 (have 6 people who have volunteered for this - thanks!)