Get involved in Chicago Streets for Cycling Plan 2020
This post was authored by MPC Research Assistant Jason Brown.
Studies show that more urban residents want to bike, but many hesitate to do so because of safety concerns. The City of Chicago is on a mission to address this valid concern through the Chicago Streets for Cycling Plan 2020.
Fueled by Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s commitment to improving the bike-ablility of Chicago’s streets—he has vowed to install 100 miles of protected bike lanes during his first term – the plan will identify 250 miles of bike-friendly routes across the city. To determine these routes, planners will assess existing bicycling conditions, weighing factors such as destinations, barriers, gaps in existing bikeways, and assets.
Chicago Streets for Cycling Plan 2020 is also inviting public input to shape the plan. To put a finer point on it, your ideas can help shape Chicago bike routes – and you can voice them in a variety of ways.
1. Attend one of several public meetings planned. Coming up: the Streets for Cycling Open House on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 23 E. Madison St., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The project team will be there all day to talk about the plan and bicycling issues in your neighborhood.
Additional meetings include the following:
Garfield Park Conservatory – Jensen Room
300 N. Central Park Ave.
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012
6 to 8 p.m., Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Woodson Regional Library – Auditorium
9525 S. Halsted St.
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012
6 to 8 p.m., Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Sulzer Regional Library – Auditorium
4455 N. Lincoln Ave.
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012
6 to 8 p.m., Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
2. Email your ideas to streetsforcycling2020@gmail.com.
3. “Like” Chicago Streets for Cycling Plan 2020 on Facebook and leave your comments on the Wall. Stay connected to remain up to date on cycling news in Chicago.
For more information, visit the Chicago Streets for Cycling Plan 2020 web site, which also provides useful tips for riding safely, preventing bike theft, and finding existing bike routes in Chicago through the city’s bike map. More great resources are available on the Active Transportation Alliance’s web site, including a list of City of Chicago ordinances designed to promote bike safety.