MONROE - Better accommodations for bicycle traffic, linking Monroe to larger cities and more options for the elderly are among transportation concerns for the city of Monroe.
Community members and business representatives met Tuesday at the Monroe Public Library to raise concerns about the current state of transportation in the city. The meeting, hosted by the Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, was part of a series of ongoing discussions to help shape the city's comprehensive plan.
Mike Johnson, the executive director of the Green County Development Corporation, said a plan for addressing issues in Monroe, not just transportation, is needed to solve problems facing the city.
"There needs to be some planning as a community," he said.
Problems regarding transportation, Johnson said, go beyond just roads and cars.
Many of those attending said more accommodations for bicyclists, including bike lanes and bike racks, are needed, especially downtown.
"Downtown was not designed for bike travel," said Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley, adding the area was designed in the late 1800s.
Kelley said he has received numerous complaints from residents about safety as bicycling becomes more popular.
"There's not a lot of access with biking in downtown," he said.
Another concern for community members is making the city more walker-friendly, especially in light of an increase in fundraising walks and runs.
With industry addressed, many felt the senior population faces problems as many are not able to drive or choose not to drive.
This could pose a problem as current population trends show the city is aging, according to reports gathered by the commission.
Johnson said Monroe's median age is 41, compared to 35 in the 1990s. Many people suggested the city is not reflecting the wants of its youth.
Perhaps one the biggest concerns is the lack of passenger carrier transportation linking Monroe with cities like Dubuque, Madison, Janesville and Chicago.
As Troy Maggied, planning manager from the SWWRPC, pointed out, businesses can benefit greatly from connecting Monroe with larger cities.
"Industry is very important to Monroe," he said.
In order to make Monroe more attractive, some have suggested investing in a beautification project to make the city more welcoming from the highway. Others said the city's infrastructure, including road repairs and recoordinating stop signs and lights, are the key to making the city more attractive.
The commission will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the University of Wisconsin-Extension office to discuss what can be done to address these issues.
Community members and business representatives met Tuesday at the Monroe Public Library to raise concerns about the current state of transportation in the city. The meeting, hosted by the Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, was part of a series of ongoing discussions to help shape the city's comprehensive plan.
Mike Johnson, the executive director of the Green County Development Corporation, said a plan for addressing issues in Monroe, not just transportation, is needed to solve problems facing the city.
"There needs to be some planning as a community," he said.
Problems regarding transportation, Johnson said, go beyond just roads and cars.
Many of those attending said more accommodations for bicyclists, including bike lanes and bike racks, are needed, especially downtown.
"Downtown was not designed for bike travel," said Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley, adding the area was designed in the late 1800s.
Kelley said he has received numerous complaints from residents about safety as bicycling becomes more popular.
"There's not a lot of access with biking in downtown," he said.
Another concern for community members is making the city more walker-friendly, especially in light of an increase in fundraising walks and runs.
With industry addressed, many felt the senior population faces problems as many are not able to drive or choose not to drive.
This could pose a problem as current population trends show the city is aging, according to reports gathered by the commission.
Johnson said Monroe's median age is 41, compared to 35 in the 1990s. Many people suggested the city is not reflecting the wants of its youth.
Perhaps one the biggest concerns is the lack of passenger carrier transportation linking Monroe with cities like Dubuque, Madison, Janesville and Chicago.
As Troy Maggied, planning manager from the SWWRPC, pointed out, businesses can benefit greatly from connecting Monroe with larger cities.
"Industry is very important to Monroe," he said.
In order to make Monroe more attractive, some have suggested investing in a beautification project to make the city more welcoming from the highway. Others said the city's infrastructure, including road repairs and recoordinating stop signs and lights, are the key to making the city more attractive.
The commission will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the University of Wisconsin-Extension office to discuss what can be done to address these issues.