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Update (5/25/26)
We have recorded vehicle speeds of over 70 mph on English Ave. It is a fast street that serves a number of users: buses, pedestrians, local vehicle traffic, freight, and–notably–thru traffic uses English Ave. to get from one side of town to the other. With a middle school and neighbors living along this street, they should not have to put up with excessively speeding vehicles. There have been many instances of speeding vehicles side swiping parked cars, damaging bus stops and fences, and all together being reckless leading to an inhospitable road.
While we recognize that English has and will carry through traffic, it is not an appropriate road to have average speeds pushing 40 mph.
That is why, in Summer of 2026, we are painting curb extensions along English Ave from Laurel St. to State Ave at each of the intersections, and adding water barriers that we still have from last year along the extensions to reinforce the space. Studies have shown that painted curb extensions reduce speed, increase yielding rates, and improve sight distance for turning vehicles. This will further our goal of slowing traffic to a neighborly speed on English Ave.
The goal here is to slow traffic and make it easier to turn onto the street from the side approaches, ultimately increasing street safety for all users of the road and calming traffic for those who live along English. Plus the side benefit of having community made murals along the street!
When would this go into effect?
This project is in place from June to mid October 2026, though the paint will last as long as it doesn’t wear! We are actively maintaining this space and conducting usage and vehicle speed studies.
Our long-term goal is for these installations to become permanent. If the city agrees, the water barriers will be replaced with bolt down flexi posts, and maybe eventually concrete and grass curb extensions. But until then, we need your help to maintain these community spaces! If you notice any of these spaces needing attention, please reach out to indyFSTU@gmail.com.
How can I help?
Please volunteer with us on Saturday, May 30th at 9am! Sign up here.
What is Tactical Urbanism?
Tactical Urbanism refers to a citizen-led approach to improving our neighborhood using short-term, low-cost, and scalable interventions to catalyze long-term change. This method has been used across the country to create temporary changes to roadways with the intention of sparking long-term intervention from the local government. You can read more about Tactical Urbanism and examples of how this was used to create greater change here.
An update on Calvary and McCarty projects:
You may recall, last year in 2025 FSNA in conjunction with Fletcher Place NA, North Square NA, and FFDA completed our first Tactical Urbanism project creating a pedestrian and bikeway along Calvary over the interstate and painted bump outs on McCarty. We miss the pathway too! The hope is for the city to eventually install a permanent pathway using stronger, better materials. FSNA leadership has presented our results to DPW and received favorable responses. However, we do not have a timeline or promises for something permanent. We will continue to advocate to DPW to install this pathway as soon as possible.
In the News:
https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/new-tactical-urbanism-projects-targets-three-indy-neighborhoods
https://fox59.com/news/city-of-indianapolis-seeks-public-input-on-tactical-urbanism-projects/
Thank you to our partners:
Fletcher Place Neighborhood Association
Fountain Fletcher District Association
For more information, please contact:
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