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For the past 18 years, Health by Design has been advocating for safer, healthier and more connected communities across Indiana. We’ve worked alongside city and state leaders, nonprofits and passionate Hoosiers to make sure walking, biking and public transit aren’t just afterthoughts—they’re essential to building strong communities.
One of the biggest wins for active transportation in Indiana was Next Level Trails, a state-funded initiative that invested $180 million—the largest state trail funding commitment in Indiana history—into expanding and connecting trails. That investment has led to real, tangible improvements. Trails like the Monon South Trail have boosted local economies, provided safe spaces for exercise and recreation, and made it easier for people to move around without a car.
But as I step into my new role as CEO of Health by Design, I’m facing a stark reality: The proposed state budget includes no new funding for Next Level Trails. Meanwhile, at the federal level, the Trump administration is reassessing past funding for bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly streets, and other green transportation projects, signaling a shift that could make securing these investments even more difficult. However, Hoosiers are no strangers to challenges—and they’re nothing if not resilient.
Indiana has made real progress in expanding its trails, and we can’t afford to let that momentum stall. Trails are not just recreational amenities—they are critical infrastructure that support public health, economic development and quality of life.
◗ They improve public health. Trails encourage people of all ages to get outside and move, reducing chronic health problems and improving mental well-being.
◗ They strengthen local economies. Trails attract visitors who spend money at nearby businesses and have been shown to increase property values.
◗ They connect communities. Whether it’s kids biking to school, commuters avoiding traffic or families enjoying time outdoors, trails make daily life better.
◗ They offer real transportation choices. Not everyone drives, and trails provide safe, reliable options for people who walk or bike to work, school or errands.
We might consider noting that 30% of Americans do not drive, highlighting the overinvestment in car-centric infrastructure and the underinvestment in transportation networks that fail to accommodate all users. The freedom to move through your community is a fundamental right, while driving is a privilege. Without continued investment, Indiana risks losing progress on trail expansion, maintenance and connectivity. That’s a setback we can’t afford—not when so many communities are already seeing the benefits.
The good news is that Health by Design has spent nearly two decades tackling big challenges, and we’re not about to stop now. Our work will focus on:
◗ Advocating for local and regional trail funding to fill the gaps left by state and federal cuts.
◗ Supporting cities and towns that want to prioritize trails in their transportation plans. I’m optimistic about the city of Indianapolis’ Vision Zero policy efforts, which aim to eliminate traffic fatalities and improve safety for all road users. Additionally, Fort Wayne’s active mobility scene, fueled by the community-led push for Complete Streets policies, is making great strides in creating safer, more accessible streets for biking and walking.
◗ Hosting a statewide Walk & Bike Summit this May—because communities across Indiana are ready to take action.
◗ Rallying Hoosiers to speak up about why trails matter, ensuring their voices are heard by decision-makers.
I might be new to this role, but I’m not new to this fight. And I know one thing for sure: Hoosiers love their trails. The question now is whether we’re willing to do the work to keep building, improving and connecting them.
Indiana has a choice—let our progress stall or find new ways to move forward. At Health by Design, we’re choosing progress. And we hope Hoosiers across the state will join us.•
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McAleavey is CEO of Health by Design.
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