INDIANAPOLIS — A barrier that is meant to keep bicyclists safe is being damaged in downtown Indianapolis. They are the white “flex posts” that separate the bike lane from the road.
Even with signage and markings on the street, bicyclists say they still have too many close calls.
“Fear, anger and then when you think about the situation that leads to it ... really dismay,” said Sam Harrold, who bikes to and from work.
He said he recently noticed multiple flex posts damaged along his commute.
“They serve as good reminders for not just bikers and pedestrians, but really anybody that isn’t surrounded by a metal cage, that you are fragile,” Harrold said. “It is also a good reminder for the drivers.”
Harrold said that's because one of the flex posts could easily be a person.
It’s an issue those in the biking community say isn’t new, sharing photos with 13News that were taken in late July. The photos show two flex posts damaged on the corner of Pennsylvania and Washington streets.
According to a tweet, Indy DPW installed more flex posts along Pennsylvania Street in July.
On Thursday, DPW said it's aware of the issue and said crews have fixed many of them.
At the same time, the city is also looking to crack down on illegal parking in bike lanes. Last month, DPW introduced a proposal that would help incentivize ParkIndy to issue more tickets.
DPW said if you see a flex post that is damaged, report it to the Mayor’s Action Center.