As safety concerns dominate early survey responses, the Michiana Area Council of Governments is calling on more residents to help shape the region's transportation future — and the findings so far paint a troubling picture of the state's walking and biking infrastructure.
Nearly 90 residents have weighed in on the region's future transportation survey conducted by the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG), and the early results reveal significant concerns about safety and infrastructure across the region.
Safety for people walking and biking stands out as a top concern, with approximately 61% of respondents rating safety as poor or very poor. Those issues, along with the condition of the broader transportation network and public transit options, were also identified as long-term concerns.
Residents expressed frustration about blocked rail crossings and unsafe intersections, with around 45% identifying both as problems. Additionally, there was strong support for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with 73% of respondents rating it as important.
MACOG is now encouraging more residents to participate in the survey to ensure the results reflect the full range of community concerns and priorities. Anyone who lives, works, or travels in the region is asked to take approximately 10 minutes to share their experience and vision for the next 30 years.
According to MACOG, resident input will directly shape the priorities in the region's long-range transportation plan. The survey is available online at engage.macog.com/LRTP, and residents are encouraged to share it with friends, neighbors, and coworkers to broaden participation.
MACOG works with Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall, and St. Joseph Counties and the cities of South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart, Goshen, Nappanee, Plymouth, and Warsaw.
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