Des Plaines making streets safer for bicyclists

Des Plaines public works crews will be adding parking lane lines, crosswalks and painted intersection bump-outs along the Oakton Street commercial corridor next week to make road conditions safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The project extends from Chestnut Street to Maple Street, and is being funded through a $10,000 grant from the Active Transportation Alliance for infrastructure supportive of bicycle and pedestrian travel.

The improvements are aimed at slowing traffic. The grant funding also will allow for the addition of shared lane markings on Pearson Street between Miner Street and Des Plaines River Road.

The projects are part of the city’s year-long active transportation planning efforts funded through the Model Communities Grant awarded last January.

Other Model Communities Grant initiatives include the creation of an active transportation plan and a complete streets policy for the city; a comprehensive school travel planning effort; and the purchase and installation of bicycle racks throughout the downtown and Oakton Street commercial districts.