Palatine wants input on bicycle transportation plan by June 30

Palatine’s cycling enthusiasts believe that when conditions for their hobby are improved, people are more likely to use their bike for short trips — to the benefit of their health, pocketbooks and surrounding air quality.

With that in mind, the village through June 30 is seeking public input on a draft of its Bicycle Transportation Plan.

The 44-page document takes a comprehensive look at the types of facilities, bikeways and trails that would help and encourage safe and enjoyable transportation and recreation on two wheels.

“This is something we hope to tie in to the village’s comprehensive plan so that it can be implemented with future construction and development,” Director of Community Services Harry Spila said.

The initiative was sparked by a group of residents who formed the Greater Palatine Bike Task Force, led by Mikes Bike Shop owner Wayne Mikes.

The process began in early 2009, when the organization approached the village about making Palatine a more bicycle-friendly community. After numerous meetings with the village and Palatine Park District, officials decided this bike plan was needed.

The village was awarded an $8,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, and hired a consultant to lead the way.

The plan highlights and prioritizes key routes and analyzes current street conditions, significant barriers and priority destinations. It recommends a mixture of on-road bikeways and off-road sidepaths, which are essentially widened sidewalks, and trails to provide a network that links those routes.

It also addresses design standards, bike parking, implementation methods, funding sources and education.

The village council is expected to vote on a final draft July 18.

However, exactly what parts of the plan are put into place and when remains to be seen. And how to fund any of it will be the most important question, given the cost of installing a bike lane can run between $5,000 and $50,000, according to the plan.

For more information or to provide input, visit palatine.il.us.