Rock Island rails-with-trails idea

There was an interesting article in yesterday's Sun-Times about a trail idea that has been studied and is starting to generate some discussion.  The Rock Island Trail could be a great addition to city and regional bike routes for commuting and recreation.  Right now is the time to ask, as movement is starting to happen on the Englewood rail flyover at 63rd St., which would allow such a route to extend north of 63rd St.

This new trail could connect with the Major Taylor Trail and a new Englewood trail that is currently in development.  It could also connect with the Cal-Sag Trail, currently in development.  It would link dozens of neighborhoods and communities.

We have so many South Side communities that could really use good trail connections to promote transportation and recreational cycling.  This could be a HUGE win if we could get it, because it would overcome so many of the hurdles that currently limit bike transportation on the south side and in the SW 'burbs. 

If you like this idea and want to see it happen, contact your aldermen and U.S. Senators and Representatives.  If we can show that there's a demand and a need, we could get this to happen.

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Permalink Reply by Jane Healy on April 14, 2010 at 12:06pm
This is the first time I'm hearing about this, but this would be a PHENOMENAL route to get cyclists into the city of Chicago while keeping them mostly off road!

Jane Healy
(Blue Island)
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on April 15, 2010 at 8:51am
It could also be useful to people who want to do longer distance rides to locations like the I&M Canal Trail and Starved Rock.
Permalink Reply by Duppie on April 16, 2010 at 7:53am
I'd agree.
We've discussed doing the Grand Illinois Trail, but my wife is not a big fan of city/suburban street riding. So the part to Joliet in it's current form is a no-go.

Anne Alt said:
It could also be useful to people who want to do longer distance rides to locations like the I&M Canal Trail and Starved Rock.
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on April 16, 2010 at 8:56am
Now THAT would be seriously cool!

Anson Moy said:
This sounds like a bicycle highway is in process. Imagine a bicycle highway that goes as long as highway 90 from Chicago all the way to west coast. hehe :)

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