Public input needed for Indy’s first pedestrian plan

WalkWays initiative to host open houses

Where should new sidewalks be built? How can we make it easier to cross the street? How can we better connect neighborhoods?

As part of Indianapolis’ first pedestrian plan, the public is invited to a series of open houses to help address questions like these, cast a vision for improved walkability, and provide input on how decisions regarding the city’s walkways should be made in the future. The open houses will be held in locations across the city to ensure all residents have the opportunity to contribute.

The pedestrian plan is part of WalkWays, the initiative to make Indianapolis more walkable and get more people walking. The City of Indianapolis, Marion County Public Health Department and members of the Health by Design coalition comprise the WalkWays team.

“Our long-term vision is simple: a more walkable Indianapolis with healthier residents,” said Kim Irwin, director of Health by Design.

The pedestrian plan will establish clear, equitable and data-driven priorities for future investments in pedestrian infrastructure and programs, making Indianapolis safer and more accessible for people who travel by foot.

It’s expected that these efforts will have a long-term positive impact on the health of residents in Marion County, where two in three adults are either overweight or obese. A 2014 study by Walkscore.com ranked Indianapolis as the worst city in the country for food deserts.

WHAT:     Indianapolis Pedestrian Plan open houses

WHO:       WalkWays:  Moving Indy Forward

WHY:        Learn about the Pedestrian Plan and share thoughts on walking in Indy

TIMES, DATES AND LOCATIONS:

EAST SIDE:

Wednesday, February 24

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Community Alliance of the Far East Side

8902 E. 38th Street

 

NORTH SIDE:

Thursday, February 25

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

American Diabetes Association

8604 Allisonville Road

 

DOWNTOWN:

Friday, February 26

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The Platform

202 E. Market Street

 

SOUTH SIDE:

Saturday, February 27

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Chin Community Center

2524 E. Stop 11 Road

 

WEST SIDE:

Saturday, February 27

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Eagle Library

3325 Lowry Road

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.indywalkways.org, 317-352-3844

 

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jen Thomas, jen@jtprinc.com, 317-441-2487