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South Monon comments

Several readers have responded with remarks about our expansion of the South Monon. Here is a sampling of what they have had to say.

"Is it a good idea or not? All I can say is yes, yes, yes! I live just three blocks south of 10th Street on the near East side and have to cross the city to get to the White River Trail then ride the Canal Towpath to eventually get to the Monon. With this extension, I will only need to ride a few blocks to get to the Monon." -- J.D.C.

"I think that it's a great idea because it provides a safe and easy link between the south side of downtown and the north side. Bicycle travel to the north side would be much easier. Go for it!" -- B.C.W.

"I think it would be better to expand the Fall Creek trail north and south of Ft Harrison Park. I don't imagine too many people will want to stroll or cycle the South Monon. What a waste!" -- S.E.W.

"The Monon has done a better job of serving the constituents of Indy than any project. I think the south extension is a wonderful idea. Thanks and keep up the good work." -- B.Y.

"I will use the South Monon to commute to my place of employment downtown. I think security will need to be included in the plan since a lot of people will be reluctant to use this part of the trail. Also, since this will be a good avenue to bicycle commute there needs to be accommodations downtown for this." -- J.G.

"A direct route from Westfield to downtown Indianapolis? I won't groan at the thought of going downtown, right to the Circle, again. No more hassles or outrageous expense, with traffic or parking again! I'll definitely be down there more often, even regularly." -- R.D.

"I live on the northeast side of Indianapolis and fully support the construction of the South Monon. It is likely that I will occasionally ride my bike to work. I am a small business owner, with my place of business in the Old Northside Historic district. I believe that this project will have a very positive effect on the neighborhoods that it will pass through. The next step that I would be interested in seeing is a way to bike from the Glendale area (where I live) over to the Monon." -- E.R.

"I'm a frequent biker along the downtown Canalwalk, the White River Trail, the Fall Creek Trail and the Monon Trail. I am very excited about the Monon being extended down south of Fall Creek, as I live in the Old Northside and this will bring the trail system conveniently into my neighborhood (by the Old Northside Soccer fields)." -- S.C.

"Yes -- great idea. Yes -- we will use it. We use the Canal through Riverside park to get downtown now. We'll use the Monon for the same thing. We currently use Monon for running, walking, and early biking. We will bike to the State Fair for the second year this year. We will bike to Penrod this year." -- M. and J.Mc.

"Yes, the South Monon is a good idea. I will definitely use it. I live near 42nd and Broadway and my dog and I use the trail going north and south all the time. We especially like the section by the Fairgrounds when the cows are held near there for the Fair. We are particularly happy to see the Boulevard Station renovation. South of 38th Street, we take the trail to get to Watson Bird Sanctuary and just to go as far on the trail as we can go, which presently, is not too far. We want to keep going. I'm sure that some people think that continuing the trail farther south is of dubious value. I disagree. Some people think anything south of 52nd street is scary and they are wrong. Everyone needs a public space where they can walk, ride and see their neighbors. The more we can connect more neighborhoods the better off we'll all be. It changes your perceptions of neighborhoods, the city, people. Not everything is beautiful or has the chance to be beautiful. Only connect. A link to downtown from 38th will be great. Go!" -- B.B.

"It is a great idea to continue to expand and connect the trail systems." -- D.A.R.