Palatine enthusiastic about bicycling
What do Schaumburg, Chicago, Shawnee, Kan., and Bloomington, Ind., have in common?
They're all Bicycle Friendly Communities and new inspiration for Palatine, which recently created the Greater Palatine Bicycle Task Force to offer educational and outreach programs that encourage the sport.
The group, already up to nearly 30 members, is also evaluating and recommending infrastructure improvements to integrate safer and more convenient bicycling.
Chair Wayne Mikes of Mikes Bike Shop asked officials to work up an intergovernmental agreement between the village and the Palatine Park District to ensure coordination and consistency on bike-related matters, as well as to understand facility planning and funding. Mayor Rita Mullins referred the matter to staff to get something on paper.
The group's next meeting is March 26. So far, discussions have included creating safe routes to school, races, safety events and linking Palatine to other communities.
For details, contact the village at (847) 359-7500.