Big Four Bridge

[Gordon M Lowe]

I became fascinated with this old derelict railroad bridge, back in the mid-seventies, when my dad told me an idea that was being floated around about turning it into a pedestrian crossing. Now, finally, it's open! I'll be going up there with my mom this weekend.

I think this will be one of the coolest places to walk/bike.

[RonnieD]

I thought the Hoosier side was still closed, but they were still going to let people up there to mill about. Is that still the plan?

[Robin Garr]

I thought the Hoosier side was still closed, but they were still going to let people up there to mill about. Is that still the plan?

Correct! To be honest, after going up and hanging out yesterday, I realize that's pretty reasonable. Opening the far end will make it a legitimate commuting alternative for bikers, but really, that's not what it's all about. Think of it as a great promenade for strolling, power walking, hanging out ... an extension of the Riverfront parks that gives a cool environment and great views. That's plenty! It doesn't have to go anyplace. If I could walk over and go down on the other side to Jeff, that's okay, I guess, but really, if I want to go eat or shop in Jeff, I'll probably drive anyway.

[RichardM]

I think it is a great space. Probably will enjoy it in Spring and Fall.

Two things I have seen/noticed: No Trash Cans in any photos I have seen. No signs suggesting that dog walkers have bags to pick up messes from the dog.

[RonnieD]

We are pretty excited about it too. And we are responsible dog people who always take bags when we go!

[TP Lowe]

I think this is a terrific asset for our waterfront area. Kudos to the Development Corp. for getting it funded (finally!).

[Lois Mauk]

Two things I have seen/noticed: No Trash Cans in any photos I have seen. No signs suggesting that dog walkers have bags to pick up messes from the dog.

Nobody asked but here's my prediction: By the end of the month, dogs will be banned on the Big 4 Bridge.

It's been open two days and people are already complaining because pet owners are not picking up after their dogs, which is going to ruin it for all pet owners in no time flat.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbc ... 3302080089

If you can't/won't pick up after your pets, LEAVE THEM AT HOME!

Also, poop bag dispensers are available at your local Dollar Tree for $1. No excuses.



(Stepping off my soapbox.)

[Robin Garr]

It's been open two days and people are already complaining because pet owners are not picking up after their dogs, which is going to ruin it for all pet owners in no time flat.

Yeah, I almost stepped in a giant mound on Day One. And pickup is going to be a problem, because it's not like grass. That grainy concrete base would just about have to be scrubbed.

I certainly don't blame the dogs, but you're right, Lois, at least the owners ought to try, and not just leave it and move on.

[RonnieD]

There is no excuse save for sloth. We are always packing bags when we take our dog anywhere that is not our backyard. Heck we pick up in our own front yard because who wants to go along the sidewalk and see that?

Sigh.

[Lois Mauk]

We've travelled in at least 25 States with our Greyhounds. I depend on my Bags on Board dispensers so I always have bags handy.

I was picking up after them once in Tennessee and a woman was SHOCKED by that. She said what I was doing was "disgusting". I was simply flabbergasted by her reaction. It's just what responsible pet owners do!

[Carla G]

Made the walk with one of my 4 year olds and we had a great time. Terrific views, people were great. Seeing all the different breeds of dogs was cool too. My favorite was the family walking a giant Mastiff and an eeteee tiny chihuahua . I do hope the dog owners act responsibly because seeing all the pups were half the fun for us.

[Steve P]

I do hope the dog owners act responsibly because seeing all the pups were half the fun for us.

Apparently "responsible" is just not the case...

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/ ... ck_check=1

Interestingly, and completely separate from this thread, I've been party to at least three or four different conversations since this bridge opened and each and every time the other party mentioned how common (and disgusting) it is/was to have to dodge all the dog crap....So I'm getting the vibe that this -must- be a big problem.

[RonnieD]

I just don't get this. Who are these people?

If you choose to live in a city and you choose to have a dog, then part of the agreement is that you pack bags when you go out with the dog to clean up after your mess. I have bags in my car and bags by the door to the house so that I am always prepared. The few times I've been out and ran out of bags, I have returned to the scene of the crime as quickly as possible once I've acquired more or an acceptable substitute.

I don't get it.

[Robin Garr]

I don't get it.

One issue that I saw on my first visit is that the bridge flooring is made out of a hard but textured surface - concrete, I guess. No patches of grass, and the texture is going to hold a fair amount of ... substance ... no matter how hard the owner tries to scrape it up. A plastic bag might not be the best implement for this, either.

I would guess that the bridge designers were totally oblivious and didn't even think about the possibility that people would be taking dogs on this mile-long walk.

[RonnieD]

Good point Robin. I had not considered that. Nunzio prefers to go in the grass anyway, so he probably wouldn't even try on a surface like that, but I can definitely see the problem.