National Park Service - Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program
25 East Washington, Suite 1650, Chicago, IL 60602
NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program
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: David Thomson
mwr_rtca@nps.gov
312.863.6287
Illinois Department of Transportation
General Web Page: IDOT
Bicycling Web Page: IDOT Trails, Paths & Streets (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 Working Group (IBCWG)
2300 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62764
Contact: Michael Brand, Acting Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator
michael.brand@illinois.gov
217.782.7651
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
Pete.Harmet@illinois.gov
847.705.4393
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
Charles.Riddle@illinois.gov
847.705.4406
Office of Planning and Programming (Chicago)
100 W. Randolph, Suite 6-600, Chicago, IL 60601
Contact: Gabriel Sulkes, Policy Advisor
gabriel.sulkes@illinois.gov
847.705.4406
Safety Programs
Division of Highways, Bureau of Safety Engineering Programs
Transportation Safety
Contact: Priscilla Tobias, State Safety Engineer
217.782-3568
DOT.IllinoisSHSP@illinois.gov
Illinois Division of Traffic Safety
Roadway Safety
Local Grants Webpage:
IDOT Highway Safety Grants
Contact: Les Nunes
Leslie.Nunes@illinois.gov
217.557.5964
Illinois Secretary of State's Office
17 N. State, Room #1152, Chicago, IL 60602
Office of the Illinois Secretary of State
The Secretary of States Office maintains a webpage on Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety. 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 1: Kathleen Widmer, Speakers Bureau
kwidmer@ilsos.net
312.814.2905
Contact 2: Toshi Lukens, Traffic Safety
tlukens@ilsos.net
773.794.5862
Illinois Commerce Commission
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@icc.state.il.us
312.636.7760
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
General Web Site: DNR
One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271
Trails and Bikeways Grants
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@illinois.gov
217.782.7481
Illinois Greenways and Trails Program
Illinois DNR Greenways and Trails
Contact: Dave Longo, Northeastern Illinois Program Manager
dave.longo@illinois.gov
847.608.3100 x 32037