Community advocates propose safer bike routes over costly eminent domain plans

The Carmel City Council convened on June 2, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, with a significant focus on alternative transportation solutions for the city. The meeting began with a presentation advocating for a more efficient and cost-effective approach to enhancing the city's bike and pedestrian infrastructure.

A key speaker emphasized the need for a safer route for cyclists and pedestrians, proposing the development of an alternative transportation corridor that would avoid the costly expenditure of approximately $8 million. The speaker highlighted the potential for utilizing existing quiet residential streets as part of the bike network, which has successfully served the city for over 25 years. This approach would not only provide a safer environment for bikers and walkers but also help the city avoid negative public relations associated with potential court battles over eminent domain issues.

The speaker outlined the current structure of the Carmel Access Bikeways, which includes five residential loops and several connectors. They proposed adding an east-west connector in the Midtown area, suggesting a straightforward solution that would require only about 400 feet of asphalt path. This addition would link residential streets to key destinations, such as the junior high school, thereby enhancing accessibility for non-motorized users.

The speaker, who has a background with the Indiana Greenways Foundation, expressed their opposition to the current Trails and Greenways project, advocating instead for a compromise that would better serve the community's needs.

Following this discussion, the council moved on to the next items on the agenda, indicating a structured approach to addressing the various topics at hand. The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to improve transportation options in Carmel while balancing community interests and fiscal responsibility.