41 INDIANAPOLIS REGIONAL CENTER PLAN 2020 PLANNING DOWNTOWN�fS FUTURE TODAY MOVING AROUND DOWNTOWN MOVING AROUND DOWNTOWN INTRODUCTION The Moving Around Downtown Committee began meeting December 2002.  The Committee met once a month through June 2003 to discuss transportation, infrastructure and safety related topics.  Throughout the six meetings, Committee discussions focused on future multimodal transportation options, environmental quality and integrity, agency communication and coordination, circulator systems and universal accessibility.   TOPICS This Moving Around Downtown section covers the following topics: 16.  Transportation 17.  Infrastructure 18.  Public Safety and Fire Protection 16.  TRANSPORTATION The Regional Center has an opportunity to develop a comprehensive multimodal transportation system to improve transportation connections among major activities and make the Regional Center accessible to all residents, workers and visitors.  There exists an opportunity to improve the efficiency of travel, improve quality, reduce the dependence on scarce fuels and continue economic growth of the Regional Center.  As growth and development occurs, it is critical to recognize the unique urban quality and fabric of the area. Multimodal Transportation In 2002, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) created a multimodal task force to coordinate and promote the use of alternative modes of transportation.  The creation of a multimodal transportation network provides opportunity to link various districts and areas of activity, reduce traffic congestion, improve quality, expand physical fitness opportunities provide for economic development. Mass transportation, Indy Parks Greenways and pedestrian corridors currently are not designed to provide a clear, cohesive alternative to the automobile.  Long-range plans are underway to provide a framework for an integrated multimodal system to create a robust transportation network.  The potential benefits of multimodal transportation coupled with the desire to increase residential and commercial development in the Regional Center provides an opportunity to incorporate mixed-use development and transit- oriented development. Pedestrian ways and Bikeways The proposed Cultural Trail is an urban greenway concept with dedicated lanes for bicycles and pedestrians, separated from vehicular traffic within existing public rights-of-way.  As proposed, the trail will link the cultural districts, features and attractions of the Indianapolis Regional Center and provide a Downtown hub for existing and proposed greenways.  In 2002, the Monon Trail was extended to tie into the northeast corner of the Regional Center.  The Monon will connect with the proposed Cultural Trail continuing to the historic Central Canal and the White River Wapahani Trail. There are also a number of weather protected connections available within the Regional Center. A majority of these are skywalks or tunnel systems connecting major complexes.  The Indiana Government Center has a tunnel system Concept sketch from the Regional Center South Urban Design Workshop of a South Street Transit Mall