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Bus riders account for more than 20 percent of people using Lake Shore Drive every day while taking up a fraction of the space that cars do.

Take action for safer streets and trails in Illinois

Apr 1, 2019 | by Kyle Whitehead

A bill that could boost funding for Illinois communities looking to be more bike- and walk-friendly passed out of committee in Springfield.

Now we need your help to make sure it passes the Illinois General Assembly and is sent to the governor’s desk.

Take action now for safer streets and trails in Illinois.

Senate Bill 2016 (SB2016) establishes a Complete Streets and Trails Local Grant Program in Illinois. Local governments could apply for grants to build and extend trails or make street improvements for vulnerable users on foot and on bikes.

Eligible projects would include pedestrian refuge islands, crosswalk countdown timers, pedestrian crossing signs, upgraded trail crossings and bike lanes that create orderly street space for all.

Tell your state legislators to support SB2016 by taking action today.

The bill prioritizes funds for high-need communities by

  • Eliminating the local match requirement for low-income communities. 
  • Setting aside at least 25 percent of funds for high-need communities based upon median income and tax base.

Walking and biking projects are in high-demand in Illinois, with applications for existing Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) funds exceeding available dollars by a factor of 7.

These improvements are relatively inexpensive and provide safety benefits for all users. For example, pedestrian refuge islands range from $10,000 to $30,000 and have proved to reduce crashes by more than 50 percent on multilane roadways.