The Star has posted an editorial about a proposal to require sidewalks in Indianapolis. This is a good first step, even if it is sadly belated. However, I hope the city will look to go even further with our antiquated zoning laws. Sidewalks are at their best when they actually interact with buildings instead of parking lots. Until we have a complete streets movement, sidewalks will continue to be a place of last resort, instead of an integral part of daily life.
Many Indianapolis zoning laws are indeed antiquated and must be changed so that City residents may become less dependent on automobiles and be encouraged to travel on foot. A step in the right direction is the construction of the downtown Cultural Trail.