The city's traffic engineers are well aware of what potential solutions are out there, Department of Public Works spokesperson Ben Easley said.Finding a permanent protective barrier for Monon crossings was not included in the budget of the widening project, which has been in the works for nearly a decade. City officials don't want to install a hasty stopgap for what they consider mostly intentional behavior by drivers who ignore signage.
That will change with the 2023 budget, which includes funding for an operations supervisor to oversee a new crew specifically focused on trail maintenance, and an earmark for $600,000 of new trail maintenance equipment. Some of the items being looked at include smaller tractors that would easily fit on trails, Easley said.
Trail users, however, have little patience and little faith that public education will help solve the problem.
Glad they figured this out
Yes on the gates and signs, but also: There are already security cameras, start issuing tickets. And public prosecution for repeat offenses-- driving through a pedestrian space could be viewed as gross negligence, especially after fines.