INDIANAPOLIS — Community Heights Neighborhood Organization’s efforts to combat dangerous driving and speeding on East 10th St. were a success. Barriers strategically erected in the median and to protect the bike lanes succeeded in slowing drivers and contributed to a 73% decline in crashes along the stretch of 10th St. between Arlington and Emerson. They also erected barriers for about a block on E. 16th St. near Anna Brochhausen School 88.
The tactical urbanism project ran from August 1 to October 31. The barriers were placed in the median to prevent drivers from using the turn lane as a passing lane, and other barriers used to reduce the width of the lane. The goal was to slow traffic down to the posted speed limit of 35 mph.
Organizers presented their preliminary findings at the organization’s meeting on Jan. 9, which was heavily attended. In the meeting, organizers revealed that crashes dropped from 30 in the same time frame in 2022 to only 8 in 2023. In addition, the average driving speed along E. 10th dropped to 34-36 mph from 40 mph. There was also a significant drop in driving over 50 mph over the time period.
In the United States, experts have noted a sharp increase in car crashes since 2020, rising 16% from 2020-21 alone (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), and a concerning rise in fatal accidents where speed and aggressive driving play a major role.
The encouraging data has been shared with DPW and other officials for further consideration about future traffic calming projects.