In a city where at least 75 pedestrians died as a result of being struck by cars between 2010 and 2014, a new study aimed at reducing those deaths has identified three areas most dangerous for pedestrians.
The study, which considered 1,154 car-pedestrian crashes in Marion County, also highlighted the factors that make the identified areas dangerous and recommended measures to improve pedestrian safety.
The areas identified for improvement were selected based on the number of walkers hit by motor vehicles, the severity of those crashes, as well as other factors influencing walkability. During the study period, the number of crashes per year remained consistent, and crashes typically occurred between noon and 8 p.m., when the weather was clear and dry. Nineteen percent of crashes were hit and runs.
The three identified areas are:
- Meridian and Illinois Streets from 14th to 34th streets, including extended portions of 16th, 28th, 29th, 30th and 32nd streets
- East 38th Street from the State Fairgrounds to Sherman Avenue
- West 34th and 38th Streets, from Moller Road west to I-465, including portions of High School and Moller roads
The study was conducted by Heath by Design, a nonprofit that works to promote physical activity and healthy living, and supported by a grant from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Now the organization is working to assemble task forces for each area, with the goal of engaging community partners who can play a role in improving pedestrian safety.
ĀOne of the most critical aspects of this project is communication and cooperation among public- and private-sector partners,Ā said Kim Irwin, director of Health by Design. ĀPedestrian safety issues are complex, and it will take time to address the issues, so patience and tenacity will be important. Eventually, though, our collective work will prevent pedestrian crashes and reduce injury and death among people who walk.Ā
Initially, the study identified the 10 worst areas for pedestrian safety, outside of downtown, based on the percentage of crashes compared to the land area. Next, a team of professionals, community partners and volunteers conducted walkability assessments in those areas, documenting the condition of infrastructure such as crosswalks, sidewalks, traffic signals and more.
Following are details about each area, and an overview of recommended countermeasures.
Meridian and Illinois Streets from 14th to 34th streets
This area is a mix of residential, retail and commercial with several schools, two parks, a college, and the ChildrenĀs Museum of Indianapolis. Walkers in the area were observed to be of all ages and abilities; a large number of pedestrians were estimated to be ages 18-25, likely because of the presence of Ivy Tech College.
For the Meridian and Illinois streets zone, partners participating in the walk audit included the City of Indianapolis, the Marion County Public Health Department, the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, the YMCA, Herron High School, Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, Walk Urban Indy, Mid-North Community Development Corporation and several members of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD).
East 38th Street from the State Fairgrounds to Sherman Avenue
Of particular concern is the intersection at 38th and Fall Creek. This intersection has seven lanes of traffic going both east/west and north/south.
For the East 38th Street zone, partners participating in the walk audit included the Marion County Public Health Department, Avondale Meadows YMCA, IndyGo, Walk Urban Indy, IMPD, the United Northeast Community Development Corporation and Purdue Extension.
West 34th and 38th Streets, from Moller Road west to I-465
The area is a mix of apartment communities, neighborhoods with single-family homes on small lots and businesses including fast food restaurants, grocers, convenience stores, gas stations, pharmacies, medical facilities and big box stores. There are also several schools and a park in the zone.
Significant improvements were made to the 38th Street corridor a few years ago, and it now has transit stops with seating and bicycle parking. Partners participating in the walk audit included the Indiana Latino Institute, the City of Indianapolis and IMPD.
Recommended improvements
For each of the three areas assessed, the study identified a number of measures that should be taken to improve pedestrian safety. Some of the recommendations applied to all three areas, while others were specific to individual areasĀ unique problems.
A sampling of recommended countermeasures includes:
- ĀUpgrade sidewalks that don’Āt meet current standards
- ĀUpgrade curb ramps to be ADA-compliant
- ĀMark and enhance crosswalks
- ĀInstall, upgrade, fix and/or retime pedestrian signals
- ĀImprove and upgrade transit stops, including connecting sidewalks, shelters and lighting
- ĀClear sidewalks of overgrown vegetation, trash and debris and other obstacles
- ĀReduce on-street parking near intersections
- ĀMonitor and enforce speeds; reduce speeds in some locations
- ĀEstablish Safe Routes to School programs
- ĀAdd mid-block crossings, raised medians
- ĀAdd benches, trees, planters, landscaping and other pedestrian-scale features
- ĀAdd signage indicating pedestrian activity
- ĀDevelop an educational campaign for drivers and pedestrians
