Comments for Tell Hetrick http://02a8865.netsolhost.com/blog Good work that does good. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:05:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 Comment on Safe passage by John http://02a8865.netsolhost.com/blog/2009/11/18/safe-passage/comment-page-1/#comment-857 John Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:52:57 +0000 http://02a8865.netsolhost.com/blog/?p=1116#comment-857 I'd like to basically echo Chrisopher here. I commute on the Monon every day from 96th street to downtown. This time of year, of course, that means I'm in at least partial darkness both directions. I'm very well lit and believe that I ride responsibly. The only times I've felt threatened on the Monon were by stray dogs (I've seen quite a few of these in the last couple of months). When I was forced off the Monon by the ticketing, however, I was trying all sorts of alternative routes and there are very few ways to get across Fall Creek, the canal, and under 465. You're pretty much forced to be on a busy street for a significant part of the journey. I felt much, much less safe than I do on the Monon. Personally I feel that they best way to make the Monon safer is to encourage more people to ride on it after dark, not less. I'd really like to see some kind of regularization of commuting so that we don't need to worry about this happening again. I'm also concerned that the current policy may not affect Park Rangers (as opposed to IMPD officers). I've been threatened with a fine by park rangers (a couple of months ago). Are they aware of the policy on commuting? Ideally I'd like to see the Monon treated like any other transportation corridor but would certainly be willing to get a permit if necessary and would prefer that to the current ambiguity. I’d like to basically echo Chrisopher here. I commute on the Monon every day from 96th street to downtown. This time of year, of course, that means I’m in at least partial darkness both directions. I’m very well lit and believe that I ride responsibly. The only times I’ve felt threatened on the Monon were by stray dogs (I’ve seen quite a few of these in the last couple of months). When I was forced off the Monon by the ticketing, however, I was trying all sorts of alternative routes and there are very few ways to get across Fall Creek, the canal, and under 465. You’re pretty much forced to be on a busy street for a significant part of the journey. I felt much, much less safe than I do on the Monon. Personally I feel that they best way to make the Monon safer is to encourage more people to ride on it after dark, not less.
I’d really like to see some kind of regularization of commuting so that we don’t need to worry about this happening again. I’m also concerned that the current policy may not affect Park Rangers (as opposed to IMPD officers). I’ve been threatened with a fine by park rangers (a couple of months ago). Are they aware of the policy on commuting? Ideally I’d like to see the Monon treated like any other transportation corridor but would certainly be willing to get a permit if necessary and would prefer that to the current ambiguity.

]]> Comment on Safe passage by Christopher http://02a8865.netsolhost.com/blog/2009/11/18/safe-passage/comment-page-1/#comment-856 Christopher Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:58:29 +0000 http://02a8865.netsolhost.com/blog/?p=1116#comment-856 @LastBoyScout By "debris" I mean branches and such in the trail after storms. As it stands, the Monon is considered a park, and thus closed from dusk to dawn, thus the permit would, in fact, permit commuters access to the trail after hours. For the record, ideally, I just want the trail open all hours with a "Ride at your own risk" style policy. But, I'm trying to find a middle-ground that addresses the city's concerns for public safety and sustainable funding on some level as well. @LastBoyScout

By “debris” I mean branches and such in the trail after storms. As it stands, the Monon is considered a park, and thus closed from dusk to dawn, thus the permit would, in fact, permit commuters access to the trail after hours.

For the record, ideally, I just want the trail open all hours with a “Ride at your own risk” style policy. But, I’m trying to find a middle-ground that addresses the city’s concerns for public safety and sustainable funding on some level as well.

]]> Comment on Safe passage by crt0 http://02a8865.netsolhost.com/blog/2009/11/18/safe-passage/comment-page-1/#comment-855 crt0 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:04:44 +0000 http://02a8865.netsolhost.com/blog/?p=1116#comment-855 I propose a trial period during which the trails are fully open to bike commuters with no requirement for permits. If insurmountable problems result, try the permits. I propose a trial period during which the trails are fully open to bike commuters with no requirement for permits. If insurmountable problems result, try the permits.

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