Letter: Comprehensive plan needed for biking safety

We encourage everyone to be involved in supporting increased safety measures throughout our cities and county where bicyclists, pedestrians and motor vehicles traverse the same intersections. In light of recent tragic accidents involving motor vehicles and bicyclists' we sent the following letter to City of Batavia's mayor, aldermen (Ward 1) and bike commissioner, Kane County Board chairwoman and Kane County District 10 representative:

We are distressed to hear of recent accidents on Route 31 in Batavia involving bicyclists and motor vehicles. We wish to voice our grave concerns related to bicyclists' safety in the Batavia area.

We would like to see prompt action taken by the bike commission and the city of Batavia to ensure greater safety measures on Route 31. At a minimum, we recommend the following:

• Traffic signposts @ Route 31 and Millview Road (adjacent to Les Arends FP) to include flashing lights

• Flashing lights should signal red, not yellow.

• Install a pedestrian crosswalk at Route 31 and Union and traffic signposts with flashing RED lights.

The safety of citizens must be a priority and labeling Batavia as a "bike friendly community" needs to include a comprehensive plan to ensure public safety.

Other thoroughfares throughout Batavia and the surrounding areas need to be considered as well.

Frank and Michele Mudrak

Batavia