Regulars on Aurora's bicycle scene say the plan approved by aldermen Tuesday will not only increase safety but may also qualify for federal and state funding.

Aldermen unanimously approved a five-year-old bicycle and pedestrian plan aimed at giving residents better connectivity between existing trails, calls for bicycle and walking projects to be incorporated into the city's capital improvement program and to upgrade connections on existing trails between neighborhoods and city attractions.

"It is something that, as a parent with kids, trying to get to the river or bike path, it's nearly impossible to do without being extremely dangerous," said Fourth Ward Alderman Rick Lawrence. "A lot of this is just incorporating painted lines on some of our wider streets like Downer or Garfield. But it is something the city definitely needs."

The first phase of the plan, to be completed in 2010, includes the installation of new citywide signage indicating direction, distance and destination and links to as many as five schools and transit stops.

By 2013, the plan calls for new bikeways and sidewalks for all of the city's educational institutions and transit stops and route signs posted along all paths.

Ed Barsotti, Executive Director of the Illinois League of Bicyclists, said Aurora has really fallen behind other smaller communities by not having a plan.

"By having this plan in place we'll have a much better chance at winning federal dollars," he said.