My Journey:
My journey began on foot at the Bridge on West 3rd street near Downtown transit, and I made my way through several streets, including West 2nd street, West 1st street, Dodd’s Street, Allen Street, and S Morton Street, aiming to reach the Bridge on West Grimes Lane near Indiana University campus bus shed. As I walked along West 3rd to West 2nd Streets, I observed a mix of residential and commercial buildings, while on West 2nd and West 1st streets, I encountered commercial buildings, such as Kroger and Wendy’s, alongside smaller shops, and cafes. Moving onto West 1st street and Dodd’s Street, I noticed smaller shops and cafes, providing a more intimate and cozier atmosphere. Finally, as I made my way through Dodd’s Street and Allen Street, I came across more residential buildings with lots of greenery around them, providing a calming and peaceful ambiance. My journey allowed me to see different aspects of the city and experience its diverse neighborhoods.
My Experience:
As I went through the B-line route, I came across two beautiful bridges at the beginning and finish of my trip that were both appealing and gave a terrific view of the town. The stones and benches along the bridges provided a tranquil and serene location to sit and reflect. I noticed several people with their children playing in the play areas near the bridges. The vibrant colors of the buildings added to the overall design of the region, producing a lively and pleasant mood.
As I continued walking, I took in the peaceful environment, enjoying the scent of grass and the sound of raindrops. This added to the overall ambiance, making me feel content and happy.As I walked, I came across many cyclists, joggers, and children playing. It was refreshing to see people enjoying the outdoors, and it reminded me of the importance of staying active and taking care of our physical health. Crossing the road and pavements with cars reminded me of the importance of being mindful and alert while walking in urban areas.
Places I stopped along the way:
During my walk on the B line, I encountered various landmarks, parks, shops, and other points of interest that added to the character and culture of the neighborhood. Here are some of the places I stopped along the way:
Realtor plaza stone with plants around it:
This was a small plaza area with a stone sculpture and some plants surrounding it. It was a nice spot to take a break and appreciate the local art.
Friendly Beasts Cider Company:
This cider company had some excellent graffiti on its walls, which added to the funky vibe of the area. It was a great spot to grab a drink and soak in the local culture.
Marriott Hotel:
The Marriott Hotel was a notable landmark along the B line, and its modern architecture stood out amidst the remaining buildings in the area.
Old factory with graffiti on its walls:
This old factory had some vibrant graffiti on its walls, which added to the industrial charm of the area.
B-line station Dodd’s street:
This station was a hub for the B line and provided easy access to different parts of the trail.
Kroger:
This grocery store was conveniently located beside the B line and was a good spot to stock up on supplies for a longer walk.
Hopscotch coffee:
This coffee shop had a hip and trendy vibe to it, with its colorful decor and friendly staff. It was a great spot to grab a drink and recharge during my walk.
Different residential buildings with vibrant colors:
Along the B line, I noticed several residential buildings with vibrant colors and unique architectural features. These added to the character and charm of the area and provided a nice change of scenery during my walk.
IU campus Bus Shed:
This bus shed was a functional structure which accommodated many IU buses.I had a great view of it from the West Grimes Bridge.
All in all, these stops along the way provided a unique glimpse into the character and culture of the neighborhood. From the vibrant graffiti to the classic architecture, each landmark and point of interest added to the diverse character of the B line.
Experience of the people and what I observed:
As I walked along the B line, I came across a woman who was also walking in the same direction as me. I decided to strike up a conversation with her and asked her how she was finding the B line so far.
She replied that she was really enjoying it and was impressed with the dedicated trail that had been created for all types of users, from walkers and runners to cyclists.
When I asked her about her experiences along the B line, she said she was quite pleased by the variety of surroundings she had seen so far. She also liked how the route changed between urban and natural surroundings, offering a wonderful variety of view.
Overall, the lady seemed very happy with the B line and its offerings and also I have observed that teenagers being absent from the B line, this could be due to a variety of reasons. Perhaps they prefer more fast-paced activities such as skateboarding or playing sports, or maybe they don’t see walking as a desirable activity.
Types of transportation:
As I walked along the B line, I encountered various modes of transportation, such as bicycles, electric scooters, and pedestrians. These different modes of transportation contributed to the overall feel of the B line, creating a dynamic and active atmosphere. The variety of transportation options made the trail accessible to a wide range of people, regardless of their individual preferences or physical abilities.
Connectivity:
The B-line trail is connected to many surrounding neighborhoods and cities through various access points, which make it easily accessible for users.
Bridge – West 3rd Street near Downtown Transit:
This bridge connects the B-line trail with the downtown area, making it easy for users to access the trail from the city center.
Bridge – West Grimes Lane near Indiana University campus bus shed:
This bridge connects the trail to the West Grimes Lane.
West 2nd Street, West 1st Street, Dodds Street, Allen Street, and S Morton Street:
These streets have multiple access points to the B-line trail, making it easily accessible for residents living in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Land uses:
Throughout my journey, I experienced a mix of residential structures, trees, lights, and graffiti, providing a fascinating proximity of the old and the modern. Commercial establishments such as Kroger, Wendy’s, and cafés contributed to the area’s overall metropolitan vibe, reflecting the city’s full of lively activity. Overall, my trip was a blend of sensory sensations, emotions, and reflections, which made me appreciate the city’s beauty and diversity.
Smart city strategies:
Smart Benches with Interactive Lights :
The interactive lights on the benches can change colors or patterns in response to movement or other triggers, making them a fun and engaging feature for trail users.They are equipped with solar panels that power the benches.Smart benches will be an innovative and exciting addition to the B-line trail, demonstrating how technology can be incorporated into public spaces to enhance the user experience and promote sustainability.
Smart B-Line Lighting :
The street lights along the B-line trail should be equipped with a light meter sensor that detects the ambient light levels in the surrounding environment. This sensor enables the street lights to automatically adjust their illumination levels, turning on or off as necessary based on the amount of natural light present outside.By incorporating advanced technology into the design of the street lights along the B-line trail, the trail is demonstrating its commitment to promoting user experience, sustainability, and safety.
References:
https://solar-bench.com/solar-bench/
https://www.mokosmart.com/smart-street-lighting-using-iot/
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