What a better Indianapolis economy? Then keep investing in trailways

Central Indiana’s connectivity infrastructure lags behind many of our peer regions. This year we received a meager score of 43 out of 100 on Walk Score’s bikeability meter, which is far from admirable and puts us at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting talent and investment to the region. It also serves as a stark reminder that we have work to do to transform our region into a more bike-friendly environment.

While there is cause for concern regarding Central Indiana’s current bikeability, it is reassuring to witness the increasing attention and commitment from residents, local governments and the development community toward creating a more sustainable and connected region. It is critical for our communities to be a part of the change, and there are several driving factors we should take note of so that future generations can build upon the work toward a more bikeable and better connected region.

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Rising air quality concerns and suburban growth have been driving forces behind the focus on trails and bike paths. With an influx of people moving to suburban areas following the pandemic, we must ensure that daily commutes and recreational opportunities are not solely reliant on congested roadways. Biking paths offer a solution that promotes healthier lifestyles, reduces emissions, and enhances our overall urban environment.

We can look to suburbs like Carmel, which is one of the most populated suburbs but also one of the most bike-friendly. With eight cross-city bike trails and five loops throughout town, including access to the Monon Trail, it serves as a good example of the positive impact connectivity can have.

Other suburban communities, like Plainfield and Speedway, also boast robust trail networks which are being greatly enhanced with ongoing trail projects, such as the Vandalia Trail and B&O Trail extensions.

Many organizations have been actively working to improve connectivity through trail extensions and foster a comprehensive network of bike paths. The Next Level Trails grant program, funded by the state of Indiana, promises to invest $180 million in trails across the state. This represents the largest infusion of state level trail funding in Indiana history. It’s also encouraging to witness private developers invest in the enhancement of existing trails as part of up-and-coming developments in growing areas.

A great example of a public-private trail partnership is in the town of Plainfield. Hobbs Station, a large mixed-use community under development, will also include delivery of a half-mile extension of the Vandalia Trail, which runs adjacent to the project and connects it to Plainfield’s parks and other amenities.

This trail connection provides tremendous benefit to Plainfield residents and makes the Hobbs Station district more attractive to commercial and retail tenants and to homebuyers. The developer, New City Development, is working closely alongside the town on its plans for a total 2.3-mile extension to close critical gaps in the Westside’s trail network.

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Other trails currently undergoing important improvements and extensions include the Nickel Plate Trail, the Pennsy Trail, and the ever-expanding Cultural Trail. These improvements will tie communities and cultural destinations together via positive, safe infrastructure, in many cases reclaiming old, unused rail corridors, which have fallen into disrepair and thereby accomplishing a trifecta of beautification, connection and sense of place.

Investing in biking infrastructure leads to numerous economic benefits. Studies demonstrate that cities with well-developed bike infrastructure tend to attract more tourists and businesses, boosting the local economy and creating job opportunities.

Additionally, improved bikeability increases livability and property values, making our neighborhoods more desirable places to live and invest in. According to a study by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute, the improved connections among neighborhoods and access to businesses and amenities created by the Cultural Trail has boosted property values within 500 feet of the trail by 148% between 2008 and 2014, and businesses along the trail reported increases in revenue, customer traffic, and jobs.

Biking paths and trails are not merely recreational amenities, but rather the backbone of a sustainable and prosperous Central Indiana.

Our region’s current bikeability score is not something to be proud of. But we can take heart in the growing public awareness that connectivity has an overwhelmingly positive impact on our community as well as in the initiative demonstrated by both the public and private sectors to enhance bike and pedestrian infrastructure. And we can work together to advocate for and implement a more connected, more bikeable Central Indiana.

As the region’s bikeability score rises, so, too, will the region’s livability and prosperity rise.

Cameron Starnes is a board member of Bike Indianapolis.