Elgin bikeway plan gaining momentum

Elgin city leaders are on the cusp of giving the green light to a citywide bikeway plan.

Wednesday night, a bikeway master plan, crafted through community meetings and a Chicago-based consultant, was met with positive reviews from council members.

"I think it's a great plan," said Councilman Mike Powers. "I'm thrilled about this."

The plan dovetails with the city's desire to be a green, self-sustaining "Bicycle Friendly Community."

It calls for more dedicated bike lanes along city streets, a city-designated bikeway in each of the town's four quadrants, more trails connecting schools and forest preserves, and a city commission to push the plan forward.

But funding could be a problem for some larger, newer trails, and erecting overpasses or underpasses at key intersections could cost millions.

Putting up signs and carving out a bike lane when city crews repave or restripe a road won't necessarily break the bank and could be accomplished sooner.

The plan also calls for the city to take a more active role in promoting two-wheeled travel and educate the public.

Developers also could be required to pave wider streets to accommodate cyclists, if the city approves the plan two weeks from now.

Brian Fairwood, assistant vice president at TranSystems, which helped write the plan, said residents generally look at cycling as a recreational activity as opposed to an alternative mode of transportation.

"We're hoping that this plan helps us change that," he said.

Mayor Ed Schock said he supports the plan, but noted a case in which a cyclist on a city-designated bike route was injured and sued the city. He said city leaders should avoid directing cyclists onto major roadways and be wary of increased liability.

"All I'm saying is we should go into this with our eyes wide open," Schock said.