Next Tuesday, July 9, the Illinois Department of Transportation and its consultant, Alta Planning + Design, will host the first two public meetings to start crafting the first-ever state bike transportation plan. This is not a "bikes as recreation" plan.
Judging by the Illinois Bike Transportation Plan website, it looks like the plan is going to be a major policy document: reviewing bicycle accommodations, policies, and plans across the state; evaluating IDOT's implementation of the state's complete streets law; and figuring out how "national bicycle trends" are applicable in Illinois.
You should go. No, really, you must go. Here are the top four reasons why:
- To get IDOT to stop banning protected bike lanes on roads under its jurisdiction
- To be visible users of Illinois roadways and show the demand for bike-friendly streets
- To learn more about current decision-making processes that controls where, when, and how bike-related infrastructure is or isn't constructed
- To identify gaps in the Chicagoland trail network
The first meeting of the day is for transportation professionals, who must RSVP to attend. It's on Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning office in Sears Tower.
The general public meeting is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Thompson Center, Concourse Level Assembly Hall, 100 W Randolph St, Chicago, Illinois. Anyone can attend and you don't have to RSVP.
If you cannot attend any of the meetings (there are some downstate as well), RSVP or fill out the survey to be notified of future meetings and an online webinar on July 30th.
