Call for Public Input on Regional Connectivity for Bicycling

West Chicago, Illinois: November 6, 2013 – The City of West Chicago would like its residents to know about a public outreach program underway concerning bicycling in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) commissioned the preparation of a Long Range Transportation Plan which includes the element of a Bike Transportation Plan. Feedback is requested from the general public about regional connectivity for bicycling.

Although the comment period deadline is fast approaching (the survey closes on Monday, November 11, 2013), participating is as easy as logging on to www.illinoisbikeplan.com. Your input is critical and will be used to help recommend bicycling connections and improvements throughout the State. The website tool allows users to interactively recommend new bikeways by tagging a map of Illinois. Users can also “support” proposed bikeways and identify specific barriers to bicycling such as intersection design, traffic speed, and lack of bicycle parking. The public can also send general feedback to IllinoisBikePlan@altaplanning.com or contact project manager Gabriel Sulkes at the Illinois Department of Transportation at (312) 793-1494 or Gabriel.Sulkes@illinois.gov.

Bicycling has been a great mode of transportation and recreation in West Chicago since the community's early history. In fact, a special exhibit titled (Bi)Cycle of Life is scheduled to debut at the West Chicago City Museum in spring 2014. Additionally, the theme (Bi)Cycle of Life was picked up by the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission for the 2014 Community Banner Project; and artists are invited to submit digital files of original art centered on the theme for consideration immediately. Online submission forms may be found at www.westchicago.org under Forms.

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West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. It is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. For more information, call Rosemary Mackey, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, at (630) 293-2200 x 139.