Attend public meetings and call for action on Evanston Bike Plan Update

The Evanston City Council recently adopted a Bike Plan Update that has the potential to establish Evanston as one of the most bike-friendly cities in America. If fully realized, the plan will provide a model for communities across our region looking to create family-friendly bikeways. 

But this outcome cannot be taken for granted and strong advocacy is needed right now to ensure this exciting vision moves from plan to reality.

The City of Evanston is hosting a series of public meetings to hear from residents and collect feedback on the Plan Update.

Several local ward meetings will lead up to a special city council hearing on September 29 to discuss the Plan Update, as well as a protected bike lane project on Sheridan Road and Chicago Avenue.

If you live in Evanston, please plan on attending one of the meetings and speak up in support of safe and livable streets, like those envisioned in the Plan Update.

Unfortunately, resistance has emerged from residents on various aspects of the adopted Plan Update. We know that some of the individuals who share these concerns will turn out to the public meetings and speak out against the plan.

That’s why it’s so important for supporters to take the time show up and participate in the conversation. We need to make sure decision makers hear from a balanced cross-section of residents and that any potential tradeoffs are discussed openly and transparently.

Here’s how you can help:

1) If you’re an Evanston resident, attend an upcoming public meeting and speak out in support of family friendly bikeways for safe and livable streets. 

2) Watch our blog for a sign-on letter later this week to document support for the Evanston Bike Plan Update. 

3) Join our Family-Friendly Bikeways Campaign to learn about how you can help bring better biking to Chicago’s suburbs.