STURGIS, S.D. – The City of Sturgis invites residents to take part in shaping the future of local transportation safety through two upcoming community engagement events.
Public comment will play a key role in developing the City’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) plan – a federally supported initiative aimed at making local streets, sidewalks, trails, and highways safer and more accessible for everyone.
Residents can stop by two events scheduled in the coming days to share ideas, concerns, and experiences related to street and traffic safety:
- Sunday, Oct. 26 – Kiwanis Soup Supper, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Sturgis Community Center Gym
- Monday, Oct. 27 – Alliance of Churches Dinner Fundraiser, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sturgis Community Center Gym
“These pop-up events are a great opportunity for residents to tell us what they see and experience every day on our streets,” said Public Works Director Rick Bush. “We want every resident, visitor, and family to feel safe whether they’re walking to school, biking across town, or driving to work. That starts with listening to the community.”
The SS4A project began earlier this fall with an Advisory Team meeting on Sept. 3, bringing together community organizations, public safety officials, school leaders, healthcare providers, and advocates for walking and biking. The group is helping evaluate roadway conditions, crash data, and accessibility challenges.
“The advisory team will help us look at safety from all angles,” Bush explained. “It’s not just about cars and trucks—it’s about pedestrians, cyclists, kids on their way to school, and even emergency vehicles needing quick access. We want to build a culture of safety that serves everyone.”
Residents are also encouraged to share feedback by completing the city’s brief online survey at: https://forms.office.com/r/V5juULFWP2
“Every single voice matters,” Bush said. “If there’s a crosswalk that makes you nervous, a street that feels too fast, or a spot where you’ve seen near-misses—we want to hear about it. Those stories and observations will shape real improvements.”
As the plan develops, the city will host additional opportunities for public input to ensure the final Transportation Safety Action Plan reflects the values and lived experiences of those who use Sturgis streets every day.
“We’re building a roadmap for safer streets, but it won’t work unless it reflects the real, everyday experiences of the people who live here,” Bush said. “Together, we can make Sturgis safer today and for generations to come.”
For more information, contact Rick Bush, Public Works Director, at RBush@sturgisgov.com or (605) 347-3916, or visit www.sturgis-sd.gov.