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Half of school children walked or biked to school in 1969, but only 13 percent were doing it in 2009.

IDOT asked to create a bold walking and biking plan

Oct 12, 2023 | by Maggie Melin Czerwinski

As the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) develops its state-wide plan for improving walking and biking, dozens of organizations and municipalities are urging the state to take a bold approach with the plan.

Active Transportation Alliance has rallied together 69 organizations and municipalities that have expressed their support for a series of recommended policies and programs for IDOT to consider while developing its plan.

Here are a few examples of policies and programs that could have a positive impact on active transportation projects throughout the state:

  • Encourage IDOT to formerly endorse the National Association of City Transportation Officials’ Urban Street Design Guide, which provides essential design principles for creating safe, multi-modal streets in urban areas.
  • Provide communities with comprehensive grant development and project implementation assistance, with a focus on supporting underserved communities.
  • Commit to regular, recurring Compete Streets trainings for IDOT staff, municipal staff, and transportation professionals throughout the state.
  • Collaborate with transit providers, local communities, and other stakeholders to enhance active transportation connections to and from transit.

Other policy and program requests are related to funding, staffing, education, speed limits, maintenance, and street design.

Have a look at the full letter to IDOT with recommendations and the list of supporting organizations.

These recommendations — developed through numerous conversations with partners, municipalities, and advocates — will set up the state for success in improving active transportation options and safety for all.

While we’re pleased to see the agency developing this plan and building upon its 2014 state-wide bike plan, we’ve been excited with the amount of interest among our allies in asking IDOT to make the plan the best it can be. If you’re interested in signing on to the letter, please email Maggie Czerwinski at maggie@activetrans.org.

You’re also invited to share feedback directly with IDOT through their online survey and interactive map between now and the end of October. The plan is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024, and we will alert you to other opportunities to provide feedback as they become available.