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2015 09 04

Column

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v12n18)

Round the Ripple - by Bill Malcolm

posted: Sept. 04, 2015

Bus Rapid Transit Coming to the Ripple?

IndyGo is rolling out more details of the proposed Red Line bus rapid transit that would serve BR and go north to Carmel and south to downtown then Greenwood. In BR, it is planned to use College Avenue with stops every half mile.

Bus rapid transit has been used successfully in many other cities including New York, Ottawa, Kansas City, and Seattle. It's a poor man's subway since no special equipment is needed and it doesn't need a designated right of way.

In Kansas City, bus drivers can control the stop lights giving the bus an advantage over car travel. In Ottawa, the buses operate on designated busways.

The first phase of the Red Line will serve Broad Ripple to UIndy and, if approved, will open in 2018. The new downtown transit center just south of the City County building opens soon. Details at www.indygo.net/redline.

Those who can't wait three years for the new service should use routes #17 and #18 which serve downtown from Broad Ripple. It's just $1.75 to go downtown and you don't have the hassle of parking. Plus you can return your emails, text your friends, and check your Facebook without running into the car in front of you. Note some of the #17s go first to Glendale. Also, the #18 does not run on Sunday. Rush hour service is every half hour.

Sample service for commuters to downtown:

Lv Broad Ripple/Compton (#17) 7:36 a.m. arrive downtown 8:04 a.m.

Lv College/63rd (#18) 7:56 a.m. arrive downtown 8:30 a.m.

From downtown:

Lv Capitol / Market (#18) 5:00 p.m. arrive Broad Ripple 5:45 p.m.

Lv Ohio/Meridian (#17) 5:10 p.m. arrive Broad Ripple 5:52 p.m.

Free days, fall solstice event coming to the Art Museum (IMA News)

The museum and botanical gardens are free on the first Thursday of every month as well as on September 19 and October 3, 2015 (National Public Gardens Day).

New bike racks are coming to the IMA and they are also urging the city to put in bike lanes on Michigan Avenue (since you can no longer ride your bike through the park using the Michigan Avenue entrance).

Bicyclists can now access the park through the main entrance off 38th Street as well as off the Canal Towpath. They can also use the sidewalk along Michigan Avenue to access the main entrance.

Going to the Penrod Art Fair at the IMA on September 12. You can ride down the canal towpath for a Pedal 'n Park bike parking. (The Penrod uses the IMA grounds but the event itself is not sponsored by the IMA.)

The IMA itself has other events planned this month including:

September 5, 2015 - Family Day features do it yourself art events

September 19, 2015 - Autumn equinox event

Remember, you can sometimes avoid the new $18 admission fee which also applies to the gardens.

For a list of all their fall events, go to www.imamuseum.org.

Get out of the Ripple:

Going to Chicago?

Did you know? I-65 north bound remains closed at Lafayette (Wildcat Creek Bridge). The detour adds an hour to the already congested route. Take the train instead. Tickets at www.amtrak.com,

DC $39

Visit the nation's capital this fall. Southwest has been offering one way fares to Reagan airport for as low as $39 and $49. Stay at the Americana in Arlington or the Washington Plaza or Beacon House in DC. The Museums are free.

Fall Gallery Tour Friday September 18

Friday, September 18, 2015, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. will be the BRVA Fall Gallery Tour. Enjoy art and snacks at various galleries around the Ripple. Details at www.broadripplegallerytour.org.

Fun this fall in BR Park includes the DogEgg Hunt

Don't miss out on favorite activities such as the Halloween Dog Egg Hunt or Holiday Gingerbread Houses. New classes such as Low Impact Ballet Barre and Superheroes in Motion are available as well as Belly Dancing, Creative Kids, Zumba and Gymnastics Call 327-7161 to register.

Bill Malcolm also writes a travel column in The Midwest Eagle and is a reporter for All Aboard Indiana (as a volunteer for both). He advocates for fair and affordable utility rates for a national association based in Washington, D.C. He welcomes reader feedback and story ideas. Send to Bill@BroadRippleGazette.com

bill@broadripplegazette.com

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