New options needed for e-bike routes

Thousands of existing bike trails have been economically created by sharing the utility rights of way that normally follow river paths and electrical utility poles. However, because the Glen Ellyn sanitation plant was also built alongside this utility pathway, some people have objected to providing shared access for hikers and bikers and fast E-bikes.

Thus, the park employees have proposed two alternate West and East “e-bike routes,” one crisscrossing neighborhood roadways past schoolchildren and another that puts hikers and bikers at risk along busy route 53, which is already a narrow pathway. These two alternatives are not good.

My proposal is for the parks to reevaluate using the DuPage river’s natural pathway. Many hiking/biking trails in the U.S. follow the natural rivers and utility rights of way. This existing trail and right-of-way needs to be shared. The electric utility company and the Glen Ellyn wastewater treatment plant (which are using this tax-free land) need to propose a better plan to serve their community.

The utility company’s refusal to share and their complaint and drawing that shows they would have to physically move their 100-foot-tall towers 10 feet over is preposterous.

The general public can help to have this reviewed by these big corporations. These large companies have a charter to support community interests. Let’s not get hit by a 28-mph e-bike.

Email with opinions and new ideas must be received by May 16, 2025, send email to: EBDRT@dupagecounty.gov

Dave Garney

Glen Ellyn