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Permalink Reply by Gin on October 12, 2009 at 2:42am

Thanks--I was just about to post that. Also, I am not sure why the link to the Trib article didn't come through. I added the link again.

Stay tuned for an action alert from LIB.

Here is also a more technical critique of IDOT's design draft. http://bikelib.org/completestreets/CSApr09DraftFeedback.pdf

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on October 12, 2009 at 1:20pm

LIB action alert:
Would you help us by contacting the Governor’s office?

Today, LIB released our "(In)Complete Streets” report*, rating 46 recent Chicago area road designs for bicycle and pedestrian accommodation. A Chicago Tribune article on the report focused especially on poor ratings of IDOT roads.

For years, we and others have advocated the state (IDOT) for better design policies. IDOT still has not implemented the 2007 Illinois law stating that “bicycle and pedestrian ways shall be established” in IDOT's urban road projects (with certain exceptions).

To build off the article’s momentum, we’re asking members to contact Governor Quinn. Ask him to instruct IDOT to change their design policies now, to make it safer for biking and walking along and across state roads – and to comply with state law.

(For more detail, see the report, page 7 of a 2005 memo, or our feedback to IDOT's draft policy.)

Check out the "(In)Complete Streets” report, which includes analysis and policy suggestions for all local, county, and state road-building agencies. If you want to get involved in advocating complete streets, we can help.

Ed

* Supported by our members’ contributions. We’re evaluating whether to repeat the study in other Illinois metro areas.

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Permalink Reply by Steven Vance on October 12, 2009 at 3:47pm

While I trust the LIB's findings, I'm not familiar with any of the streets listed. Unfortunately I cannot add to the discussion based on my experience with these roads.

I agree with Ed, though, that we should all contact the Governor to "instruct" IDOT the necessary changes. We should also advocate for a Complete Streets law or policy for cities without them.

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