Regional Directory

 

Regional Agencies

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
233 S. Wacker Dr., Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606
http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/bike-ped

CMAP develops the region's long range transportation plan and the Transportation Improvement Program, which is the 5-year list of all federally funded and regionally significant transportation projects in northeastern Illinois. CMAP also programs CMAQ funds, which have helped finance bicycle and pedestrian projects in the region. CMAP provides technical and planning support for sub-regional and local bicycle and pedestrian planning efforts. 

Contacts

John O'Neal, Associate Planner
 joneal "at" cmap.illinois.gov
 312.386.88822
fax 312.386.8623

Tom Murtha, Senior Planner
 tmurtha "at" cmap.illinois.gov
 312.386.8649
 fax 312.386.8648

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Regional Transportation Authority
175 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1550 Chicago, IL 60604
http://www.rtachicago.com 

RTA coordinates and administers funding for the region's transit agencies. Its Regional Technical Assistance Program (RTAP) supports local projects that provide improved access to transit. Many communities are using this program to propose transit, bicycle and pedestrian oriented development around their transit stations. 

Contact: Joe Moriarty
moriartyj "at" rtachicago.org
312.913.3234
fax 312.913.3206

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County and Municipal Governments

Cook County Highway Department
 http://www.co.cook.il.us/agencyDetail.php?pAgencyID=8
69 W. Washington Street, 23rd floor, Chicago, IL 60602
 
Contact: John Beissel, P.E.,
Transportation and Planning Bureau Chief
312.603.1660
 fax 312.603.9945
 
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DuPage County Bikeways Program
http://www.dupageco.org/bikeways/ (Includes countywide bikeway map)
421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187
 
Contact: Daniel A. Thomas, AICP
Principal Planner / Trails Coordinator
Daniel.Thomas "at" dupageco.org
v: 630.407-6883

 

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Kane County Division of Transportation
Kane/Kendall Council of Mayors Bicycle and Pedestrian Program 
http://www.co.kane.il.us/dot/COM/BikePed/index.asp (Includes county bikeway map)
41W011 Burlington Road, St. Charles, IL 60175 

Contact: Erin Willrett
willretterin "at" co.kane.il.us
630.584-1170

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Lake County Division of Transportation
Lake County Council of Mayors
http://www.co.lake.il.us/dot/ (Includes county bikeway map)
600 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 

Contact: Bruce Christensen, Transportation Coordinator
bchristensen "at" co.lake.il.us
847.362.3950
fax 847.362.5290
 
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McHenry County Division of Transportation
McHenry County Council of Mayors 
http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/common/CountyDpt/highway/default.asp 
16111 Nelson Rd, Woodstock IL 60098

Contact: Chalen Daigle, Planning Liaison
cldaigle "at" co.mchenry.il.us
815.334-4970

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Will County Highway Department
http://www.willcountyillinois.com/DepartmentDirectory/Highways/tabid/127/Default.aspx
16841 W. Laraway Road, Joliet, IL 60433 

Contact Bruce Gould, P.E.,
County Engineer
815.727.8476

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Suburban Councils of Mayors' Planning Liaison Program
Planning Liaisons
233 South Wacker Drive Suite 800, Chicago IL 60606

Suburban Chicago is divided into 11 sub-regional Councils of Mayors.  Each council has engaged in some bicycle planning activities, such as inventorying existing conditions for cyclists and using Surface Transportation Program funds for bicycle and pedestrian projects. In 2006, the North Shore, Northwest, South Suburban, West Central, DuPage, McHenry and Kane Councils received bikeway planning funds for activities such as: developing sub-regional capital programs, producing and distributing facilities maps and other promotional materials, finding connections amongst neighboring communities and providing technical and planning support at the local level. For more information about sub-regional and municipal transportation planning, contact the planning liaison for your area.  Several of the subregional councils are staffed by county employees and are listed under the appropriate county above.  Otherwise, consult the Planning Liaison web page.

Contact: Patricia Berry
pberry "at" cmap.illinois.gov
312-386-8742
 
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City of Chicago Department of Transportation
http://www.cityofchicago.org
30 N La Salle Street Suite 1100, Chicago IL 60602

In 2006 Chicago adopted the Bike 2010 Plan, which includes recommendations in the areas of engineering, education, encouragement and enforcement. A 1997 Bicycle Facilities Development plan  identified and prioritized potential off-street corridors for bicycle travel. Recent projects include the Major Taylor Trail, the Burnham Greenway, the Valley Line Trail and the Indian Creek Trail. The Streets for Cycling plan identified a network of on-street facilities and provided the basis for updating the city's bicycle map. Implementation of this plan, which involves striping bike lanes and installing signage, is currently underway. Since 1992, over 100 miles of bikeways have been established and 10,000 bike racks have been installed.

CDOT also works with communities interested in traffic calming and pedestrian friendly streetscapes. In 2006, CDOT and three neighborhoods hosted Walkable Communities workshops to gather community input and design ideas for upcoming projects.

Chicago Department of Transportation Pedestrian Program
http://www.chicagowalks.org

Examples of areas that Chicago's Pedestrian Program focuses on include pedestrian safety (including safe routes to school), accessibility, and walking promotion.

Contact: Kiersten Grove
Pedestrian Program Coordinator
kiersten.grove "at" cityofchicago.org
312-744-5718
 
Chicago Department of Transportation Bicycle Program
http://www.chicagobikes.org (includes City of Chicago bikeway maps)

Examples of areas that Chicago's Bicycle Program focuses on include on-street bikeways, bicycle parking, bicycling promotion, and bicycling safety.

Contact: Ben Gomberg 
bgomberg "at" cityofchicago.org
312.744.8093 

Chicago Department of Transportation Project Development
http://www.cityofchicago.org/transportation/

The Chicago Department of Transportation develops new multi-use trails, bridges and underpasses, as well as the accommodation of walking and bicycling during roadway improvements.

Contact: Keith Privett, Transportation Planner
kprivett "at" cityofchicago.org
312.744.1981

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Federal and Illinois State Agencies

National Park Service
Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program
http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca/contactus/regions/midwest.html
25 East Washington, Suite 1650, Chicago, IL 60602

 

The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) works collaboratively, by invitation, with partners on a wide variety of conservation and recreation projects.  These partners include, for example,  nonprofit organizations, community groups, and other government agencies.  RTCA provides assistance tailored to the partner's needs, but does not provide direct grants.  RTCA staff often provide assistance in conceptual planning, organizational development, and capacity building.

Contact: Diane Banta
diane_banta "at" nps.gov
v: (312) 863-6287

Illinois Department of Transportation
General Web Page:http://www.dot.state.il.us
Bicycling Web Page:http://www.dot.state.il.us/bikemap/bikehome.htm (includes links to statewide bike maps)

IDOT plans, implements and maintains the state's system of highways and bridges and administers traffic safety programs. IDOT plays a role in state and federally-funded local road projects as well, providing design guidance and funding coordination. In 1999, IDOT incorporated policies into its design manual regarding the accommodation of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in state roadway projects. It has also developed a set of recommended policies and procedures for federal aid and motor fuel tax funded local road projects.
 
Statewide bike/ped policies and the Interagency Bikeways Council
2300 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62764 
Contact: Todd Hill, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator
todd.hill "at" illinois.gov
217.785.2148
fax 217.524.9357
 
Funding and coordination of state road projects
201 W. Center Court, Schaumburg, IL 60196
Contact: Pete Harmet, P.E., Bureau Chief of Programming, District 1
847.705.4393
fax 847.705.4666
  
Bike/ped accommodations on state and federally-funded local road projects
201 W. Center Court, Schaumburg, IL 60196 
Contact: Chad Riddle, Federal Aid Program Engineer
847.705.4406
fax 847.705.4203
 
Safety programs
3215 Executive Park Drive, Springfield, IL 62794
Pam Burke, Team Manager Traffic Safety Division
burkeps "at" dot.il.gov
217.785.3044
Fax 217.558.0141

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Illinois Secretary of State's Office
17 N. State, Room #1152, Chicago, IL 60602
http://www.ilsos.net/

The Secretary of States Office is concerned with people driving safely on the roadways. In addition, it is concerned that children also be safe on the roadways, whether they are walking, riding their bicycles or on and around school buses. The office has developed safety presentations that are conducted in school classrooms or assemblies targeting children from preschool to 3rd grade. Among other safety related services, the Secretary of State maintains a traffic safety line at: 866-247-0213. The Secretary of State also maintains a Web site with safety information, including a page of links to pedestrian and bicycle safety information.

Contact: Kathleen Widmer
kwidmer "at" ilsos.net
312.814.2905

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Illinois Commerce Commission
http://www.icc.illinois.gov/industry/transportation/railroad/
527 E. Capitol Avenue, Springfield, IL 62701

The ICC has Guidelines on Pedestrian/Multi-Use Accommodations and Rail Grade Separations. A community seeking assistance from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) for construction of a pedestrian/multi-use grade separation (overpass or underpass) must submit a project application to the Commission's Rail Safety Section. Proposed pedestrian bridges must be located outside the existing right-of-way limits of a public highway to be eligible for GCPF assistance. A Formal Petition with the Commission seeking permission to construct the walkway/multi-use structure is also required.
 
Contact: Brian Vercruysse, P.E.
Rail  Safety Specialist
bvercruy "at" icc.state.il.us

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Illinois Department of Natural Resources
General Web Site: http://dnr.state.il.us/
One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271

Trails and Bikeways Grants
http://dnr.state.il.us/ocd/newtrail2.htm

IDNR administers grant programs that provide federal and state funds to local government entities for trail construction. The Bikeways Program provides funding for trail enhancement and development.

Contact: Division of Grants Administration
dnr.grants "at" illinois.gov
217-782-7481
 
Illinois Greenways and Trails Program 
http://dnr.state.il.us/orep/planning/ilgrntxt.htm
 
Contact: Dave Longo,
Northeastern Illinois Program Manager
dave.longo "at" illinois.gov
847.608.3100 x2037

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Forest Preserves, Park Districts

The forest preserves plan, implement and maintain trail facilities.

Forest Preserve District of Cook County
http://www.fpdcc.com/ (includes Forest Preserve trail maps)
536 N. Harlem Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305

Contact: Allan Mellis 
almelli "at" cookcountygov.com
708.771.1572
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Forest Preserve District of DuPage County 
http://www.dupageforest.com/ (includes Forest Preserve trail maps)
3 South 580 Naperville Road, Wheaton, IL 60187

Contact: Andrea Hoyt
Manager of Project Development
ahoyt "at" dupageforest.com
630.933.7243
 
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Forest Preserve District of Kane County
http://www.kaneforest.com/ (includes Forest  Preserve trail maps)
719 Batavia Building G, Geneva, IL 60134
 
Contact: Monica A. Meyers
Executive Director
630.232.5981
forestpreserve "at" co.kane.il.us

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Forest Preserve District of Lake County
http://www.lcfpd.org/ (includes county-wide trail map)
2000 N. Milwaukee, Libertyville, IL 60048

Contact: Michael Fenelon
Director , Department of Planning, Conservation, and Development
847.968.3339
 
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McHenry County Conservation District
www.mccdistrict.org (includes trail maps)
6512 Harts Road, Ringwood, IL 60072

Contact: Amy Peters
Planning and Development Manager
815.338-6223

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Forest Preserve District of Will County
http://www.fpdwc.org/regional.cfm (includes trail maps)
17540 W. Laraway Road, Joliet IL 60433

Contact: Karen Fonte, Chief Landscape Architect
kfonte "at" fpdwp.org
815.727.8700

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Local Park Districts

Local park districts are sometimes involved in bikeway planning and implementation. For a listing of park districts by municipality, contact:

Illinois Association of Park Districts
http://www.ilparks.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=41
211 E. Monroe Street , Springfield, IL 62701
217.523.4554
 

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Public Transit Providers

 
Chicago Transit Authority
http://www.transitchicago.com/
http://www.transitchicago.com/downloads/brochures/biketran.pdf
547 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL 60661

CTA provides bus, rail and para-transit service in the city of Chicago and some nearby suburbs. Bicycles are allowed on CTA trains except during rush hour. CTA's fleet of buses is equipped with bicycle racks, which can carry two bicycles.  CTA is also installing bicycle racks in transit stations to provide sheltered, secure parking. 
 
Contact: Amy Malick, Development Coordinator
amalick "at" transitchicago.com
312.681.4161
 
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Pace Suburban Bus Service
http://www.pacebus.com
550 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
 
Pace provides suburban and collar county bus service. Its entire fleet of buses is equipped with bicycle racks, which can carry two bicycles.  

Contact: Taqhi Mohammed, Transportation Engineer
taqhi.mohammed "at" pacebus.com
847.228.4287

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Metra
http://www.metrarail.com
www.metrarail.com/Special_Promotions/bikes_on_trains.html
547 W. Jackson, Chicago, IL 60661

Metra provides commuter rail service for the region. It is working to improve bicycle and pedestrian access to its stations by installing bicycle racks and supporting the construction of sidewalks and bikeways. Metra permits bicycles on some trains; users must bring bungy cords to secure them.

Contact: Jonathan Tremper, Planning Dept.
 jtremper "at" metrarr.com
 312.322.8028
 

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 Advocacy

Active Transportation Alliance
http://www.activetrans.org 
9 W. Hubbard St., Suite 402, Chicago, IL 60610-6545

The Active Transportation Alliance, formerly known as the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, promotes the use of bicycles for transportation and recreation in northeastern Illinois.  Active Trans has provided technical assistance to municipalities and sub-regions during the development of bicycle plans, and is engaged in a variety of education and promotional activities.

Contact: Rob Sadowsky, Executive Director
rob "at" biketraffic.org
312.427.3325
 
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League of Illinois Bicyclists
http://www.bikelib.org 
2550 Cheshire Drive, Aurora IL 60504

The League of Illinois Bicyclists is a statewide bicycle advocacy organization whose goals are to educate about safe and effective bicycling; teach and promote the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists; promote bicycling for transportation and recreation; inform state and local governments of bicyclists' needs; provide technical assistance during the development of bicycle plan; coordinate and support local bicycle advocacy efforts; and advocate for on-road and off-road access rights. They also maintain a list of bicycle clubs in the area. 
 
Contact: Ed Barsotti, Executive Director
ed "at" bikelib.org
630.978.0583
  
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Openlands
http://www.openlands.org
25 E. Washington Street, Suite 1650, Chicago, IL 60602

Openlands is an advocacy, planning and implementation organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing public open space in northeastern Illinois. It is particularly interested in the provision of off-street bicycle and pedestrian facilities and corridor preservation. Openlands worked with NIPC to produce the Regional Greenways and Trail Plan. Openlands has created a real estate affiliate, CorLands, which expedites the acquisition of trail corridors for state, county and local governments.

Contact: Ders Anderson
danderson "at" openlands.org
312.427.4256 x237

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Center for Neighborhood Technology 
http://www.cnt.org
2125 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

CNT is a non-profit organization that strives to build prosperous, sustainable communities by linking economic and community development with ecological improvement. Its transportation focus is to promote clean, non-polluting, equitable movement of people and goods in the region.

Contact: David Schaengold
davids "at" cnt.org
773.269-4070