Getting Around Merrillville: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Merrillville, Indiana, has a suburban layout with minimal cohesive planning for pedestrians, making car travel more common. Despite some areas offering sidewalks, they don't necessarily lead to conveniently located amenities. As a result, travelers used to urban walkability may find reaching shops, restaurants, and daily necessities on foot challenging, often requiring the use of a car.

Public transit in Merrillville is managed by the Gary Public Transportation Corporation, which provides a few regional routes connecting to nearby cities. While buses like the Broadway Metro Express and the US 30 Shuttle do operate, they may not run frequently enough or cover all areas of interest for travelers accustomed to more extensive urban systems. This gives limited flexibility for those relying solely on public transit.

Biking in Merrillville is somewhat feasible thanks to trails like the Erie Lackawanna, yet overall infrastructure remains sparse. The car-oriented design of the town's streets creates a cycling environment that can be uncomfortable or unsafe in places, limiting its attractiveness to travelers who prefer biking as a primary mode of transport.