Here are tips for getting the most out of the Monon Trail. First, a history lesson.
The Monon Trail is named for the Monon Railroad, which formerly used the land the Monon Trail is on now. The rail line ran the length of Indiana to link Chicago, Indianapolis, Louisville and smaller towns and cities, and it was named for Monon, Ind., the northwest-Indiana town where some of the railroad’s main lines converged. Historians suggest that the town of Monon took its name from the Big and Little Monon creeks, which took their names from a Potawatomi word. Travel around Indiana, and you’ll find lots of other uses of the word “Monon.”
The Monon Trail is not the place to try to score KOMs on Strava (it’s a bike thing). Instead, it’s a multi-use trail usually populated by people casually strolling, walking dogs, and enjoying the outdoors. So, use the Monon Trail for your recovery rides, to get to your favorite road route, to get from Point A to Point B, or simply to enjoy a spin with family and friends. But save your PRs for the road. Besides: There are speed limits of 15 or 20 mph on most sections of the trail.
When you’re running four abreast, letting Rover scamper from one side of the trail to the other, stopping to chat in the middle of the trail or pushing your stroller on a zig-zag course, you’re hindering cyclists, skaters and your fellow pedestrians. Pay attention. Share the trail. When someone behind you says, “On your left,” move to your right. And another thing: Please take your eyes off your phone and don’t blast your music so loud that you can’t hear cyclists saying, “On your left.” Besides, there’s a lot to see and hear along the way. We don’t want you to miss a thing.
Stay to the right – Just like on any other shared thoroughfare, you should stay to the right unless you’re passing someone.
“On your left” – This is what you should say if you’re on your bike and you need to pass a pedestrian or slower bike. (Of course, if you’re not too cool to put a bell on your bike, that works, too … but it still helps to follow the “ding” with “On your left.”) Even if there’s plenty of room, announce yourself. It’s a safety thing … and a courtesy thing.
Rein ’em in – That extendable leash might be great for your dog, but it’s a real danger to cyclists and skaters. Keep your dog on a short leash on the trail.
Take it to go – Please pick up anything that your pooch produces while you’re on the trail.
Look both ways, Part 1 – Whether you’re on foot, on skates or on a bike, look both ways before entering the trail. It’s a safety thing … and a courtesy thing.
Look both ways, Part 2 – While some motorists will automatically defer to trail users at street crossings, not every crossing requires drivers to stop. Don’t claim the moral high ground simply because you’re a trail user. Until that car stops, assume it isn’t going to. Again: It’s a safety thing … and a courtesy thing.
Don’t litter – Hold onto that paper cup, PowerBar wrapper or whatever, and make sure Junior isn’t chucking trash out of his stroller.
Be predictable – Whether you’re on wheels or on foot, look around before you change direction or dramatically change speed.
Step off – Want to stop and chat with a friend? Spot a spotted towhee on an overhead branch? Need to tie little Susie’s shoes? Move off of the trail so others don’t have to move around you.
Push those Buttons – A number of Monon Trail crossings are equipped with buttons that will change the traffic lights to trail users’ advantage. Use ’em, but still look both ways.
Count the miles – Hamilton and Marion counties both have concrete mileage markers along the trail, but they supplement them with other markers. In Marion County, you’ll find brown plastic markers with street-based references; in Hamilton County, you’ll find brown plastic ones with mileage indicated, as well as some mileage markers imbedded in the trail.
96 Equals Zero – With 96th Street being the border between Marion and Hamilton counties, both counties use it as the “zero point” for their mileage markers. As a result, the mileage markers show higher numbers as you head south in Marion County, and as you head north in Hamilton County.
North equals up – It’s not just you. The Monon Trail generally goes uphill from south to north. While you’ll notice ups and downs all along the way, there is an overall increase in elevation of roughly 200 feet from 10th Street to Grand Park. The good news? It’s mostly downhill if you head south … albeit, not enough to put up your feet and coast home.
Follow Dan – Experienced cyclists will recognize a few Dan Henry road markings along the trail. A number of popular cycling routes either incorporate the Monon Trail or cross it. If you feel like an adventure, follow some Dan Henrys. But be aware: Some of the routes are long, some use busy thoroughfares, and some might not bring you back to the trail. In other words, follow them at your own risk … and your own pleasure.