Save the Date!
Soles and Spokes Workshop: The Nuts and Bolts of Implementing a Local Bikeway Plan
December 11, 2008: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon
This half-day workshop will cover the basic steps of developing and implementing a local bikeway network, including route selection, directional signing, network planning and facility engineering. For more information, see our Save the Date Announcement (pdf).
For a detailed agenda and more information, see our ASCE announcement: Workshop Flyer and Agenda (pdf).
The workshop is being conducted in partnership with the Illinois Section of ASCE, Transportation Group. A link to advance registration (required) will be available from their website as soon as possible, but no later than Monday, November 17, 2008: Illinois Section ASCE.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Overview
A good walking and bicycling environment is essential for our region. Prosperity depends on mobility, and this means not only our ability to travel across the country and around the world, but to get to local commerce, schools, health facilities, parks, government buildings, family, friends, and colleagues. While autos or transit are appropriate for many of these trips, most also involve walking or bicycling part of the way. Barriers to pedestrians, bicyclists, and pedestrians with disabilities can discourage mobility, require expensive auto trips, or even prevent trips.
CMAP is working with its partners to improve conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists throughout the region. We strive to make travel by foot and bicycle safe. We are working to make the region accessible to people with disabilities, including people who use wheelchairs, walkers, and white canes. We are helping government agencies to plan and build sidewalks and bikeways -- both local bikeways and regional trails. We're helping communities get the technical information they need to build vibrant, walkable business districts. CMAP is encouraging subdivision design that provides connectivity between jobs, housing, schools, and parks. And we are promoting walking and bicycling as efficient, healthy, and fun ways to travel.
New. Safe Routes to School Program Approved. The Governor recently announced the state-wide Safe Routes to School Program. The CMAP Transportation Committee subsequently approved the Northeastern Illinois element of the Safe Routes to School program for inclusion in our FY 2007-2012 Transportation Improvement Program. The program includes both infrastructure improvements, education, encouragement and enforcement initiaitives to make walking and bicycling the mode of choice for school travel.
New. Safe Routes to School: Program Development Schedule and Information. The tentative schedule for developing new Safe Routes projects has been posted on the IDOT Safe Routes to School web site. The process involves developing both a school safety plan (first) then applications for projects (second) to implement the plan. Approved projects are 100% federally funded.
New. Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program Call for Projects. The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced a call for Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program projects. Applications are being accepted until 4:30 p.m. on May 5, 2008. Approved Transportation Enhancement Program projects are 80% federally funded. The Transportation Enhancement Program funds community-based projects that expand travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historic, aesthetic and environmental aspects of our transportation infrastructure. Bicycle and pedestrian projects are among the eligible categories. Information about the program and application procedures are available on the IDOT Transportation Enhancement Program web site.
Use links to the right for more information about additional activities.