Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington residents will have multiple opportunities this summer to share their thoughts on street safety and help shape the city’s future transportation policies. From August 18 through August 22, the City of Bloomington will host its annual Safety Week, part of the broader Safe Streets and Roads for All Action Plan—a long-term effort aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2039.
Organizers say the week-long program is designed to make it easy for residents to get involved. Rather than relying solely on formal public meetings, Safety Week will bring city staff directly into the community through social gatherings, pop-up events, and casual conversations. Each activity will feature short surveys—taking just one minute or less—tailored to the specific location, allowing the city to collect site-specific feedback on problem areas and safety needs.
“We’re excited to talk with our neighbors about how we can make Bloomington an even safer place to navigate, no matter who you are or how you choose to get around,” said Ryan Robling, Planning Services Manager. “Safety Week underscores the City’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of all roadway users—and we want to know which locations still need improvement.”
The city has planned three public evening events during Safety Week, each offering free food, entertainment, and activities for attendees. These gatherings aim to blend fun with purpose, encouraging residents of all ages to participate while enjoying local venues:
• Tuesday, August 19, 6–8 p.m. – The Chocolate Moose, 405 S. Walnut St. Participants can enjoy free ice cream while sharing their input on street safety.
• Wednesday, August 20, 7–9 p.m. – Friendly Beasts, 222 W. 2nd St. Guests will receive free snacks and giveaways, plus a “Bloomington Transit 101” session. Attendees are encouraged to bring their bicycles for hands-on tips and transit discussions.
• Thursday, August 21, 4–6 p.m. – The Wonderlab, free admission for all participants, with opportunities to engage in interactive activities alongside safety discussions.
Beyond these social gatherings, the city will operate several pop-up booths across different neighborhoods throughout the week. At each booth, residents will be asked a single quick question, making it easier for people to offer feedback while going about their day. City planners say these micro-engagements are key to hearing from a wider cross-section of the community, especially those who might not have the time or inclination to attend formal meetings.
“Asking residents to attend public meetings can be a big ask; Safety Week is an opportunity to engage with us in a much more informal, straightforward way—and let us know how they feel using Bloomington’s streets,” Robling explained.
The Safe Streets and Roads for All Action Plan, launched earlier this year, seeks to address Bloomington’s safety challenges through infrastructure improvements, education campaigns, and policy changes. Officials say community feedback collected during Safety Week will help guide decisions about crosswalk improvements, bike lane expansions, speed limit changes, and other measures aimed at protecting pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
Safety Week’s approach reflects a growing movement among cities nationwide to rethink how they gather public input. Rather than expecting residents to adjust their schedules for city hall, planners are meeting people where they already are—ice cream shops, transit hubs, and family-friendly attractions. City leaders believe this will lead to a broader, more representative range of perspectives and ultimately more effective safety solutions.
With the target year of 2039 still a long way off, city officials stress that achieving zero traffic deaths will require consistent collaboration between government, advocacy groups, and everyday residents. By starting small—one question at a time—they hope to build a culture of safety awareness that extends well beyond Safety Week.
For those unable to attend in person, city staff say online surveys and digital feedback tools will remain available, ensuring every resident has a chance to weigh in. In the meantime, they encourage everyone to take part in the events, enjoy the free treats, and help shape a safer Bloomington for years to come.
