ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
Active transportation is human-powered transportation that engages people in healthy physical activity while they travel from place to place. People walking, bicycling, pushing strollers, using wheelchairs and other mobility devices, skateboarding, and rollerblading are all forms of active transportation. Additionally, active transportation is necessary to support public transit to allow for more accessibility within and among communities.
THE PLAN
The Active Transportation Plan, led by the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) will identify needs, resources, and strategies to improve and increase walking and bicycling in Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall and St. Joseph Counties. During the planning process for Michiana on the Move: 2040 Transportation Plan, it was noted that there is a significant need to identify projects meant for those who don’t necessarily use a vehicle for transportation. For this reason, the Active Transportation Plan will serve as an important element of the long range plan.
The Plan, which is building upon existing local efforts, will identify opportunities for enhancing active transportation within the Michiana area through infrastructure, programming, and policy. The Plan’s policy and infrastructure recommendations will require collaboration between MACOG, local and state agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure implementation. The Active Transportation Steering Committee was formed for this reason.
»Why We Need It
Our transportation network is more than just roads for vehicles. It also incorporates sidewalks, bike lanes, trails and other facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. The Active Transportation Plan is needed to provide a comprehensive strategy for the region, ensuring these other users of the transportation network are able to move around in a safe, connected, and accessible environment. This plan will also help realize the benefits of communities that invest in active transportation including an enhanced quality of place, healthier residents and environment, and a culture that advocates for all types of transportation users.
Process
The process began with the 2040 Transportation Plan and local plans. While exploring those efforts, MACOG met with communities to discuss existing active transportation projects and values. To build a vision and goals for the Active Transportation Plan, MACOG then developed a process to engage stakeholders and the public.
The Active Transportation Steering Committee was formed to provide guidance on the planning process. The Steering Committee was made up of over 30 individuals representing a wide variety of organizations throughout the region including local public agencies, community foundations, convention and visitors bureaus, bike and trail advocacy groups, transit agencies, and health and education representatives.
Focus group meetings were held to seek input from key stakeholders throughout the region. Discussions focused around five identified goals, including connectivity, accessibility, culture, health, safety, and quality of place.
Throughout the process, MACOG and the Steering Committee sought public insights through a survey about walking and bicycling preferences and participation at community events.
The plan was adopted by the MACOG Policy Board on July 13, 2016.
»meeting summaries
Steering Committee Meeting
September 30, 2015
Steering Committee Meeting
November 17, 2015
Focus Group Meetings
December 15, 2015 & January 12, 2016
Steering Committee Meeting
January 22, 2016
Summit
March 3, 2016
Steering Committee Meeting
March 14, 2016
Steering Committee Meeting
May 9, 2016
For more information, please contact Michiana Area Council of Governments
at 574-287-1829 or email activetransportation@macog.com.
© Copyright 2016 by the Michiana Area Council of Governments