Bike Grid Now Applauds Introduction of Landmark Legislation to Advance Regional Safe Cycling Network
Chicago, Bike Grid Now! is pleased to announce the introduction of new state legislation to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive regional bike grid. The bill SB3478, introduced by Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons (IL-07), amends the Illinois Highway Code to direct the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to develop a blueprint for a bike and pedestrian-prioritized street network including 450 miles of safe, slow streets in Chicago with additional infrastructure in bordering municipalities.
The proposed Safe Cycling Network Plan would prioritize connections between community areas, retail corridors, major attractions, institutions, as well as existing and planned infrastructure to create a cohesive system for all ages and abilities across 10% of city streets and neighboring suburbs. Under the proposed framework, at least 35% of the network would be located in community areas experiencing economic hardship,1 with additional prioritization given to high-crash corridors and areas lacking existing safe streets infrastructure.
“We know how dangerous and inequitable a patchwork system is,” said Bike Grid Now organizer Nik Hunder. “Fragmentation means cyclists, pedestrians, and people on scooters or other micromobility devices are forced to navigate life-threatening gaps in protective road treatments that are not equitably distributed economically and racially across the city. It’s time to make our streets safer for all Chicagoans – not just those in the most privileged and politically responsive neighborhoods.”
The benefi ts also reach across the state. Safer city roads drive state-wide economic growth, advance environmental goals, boost tourism, and decrease costs associated with traffi c crashes and deaths. State legislators leading on this issue understand that strategic investment in urban infrastructure is a life-saving measure that supports the intere…
HUGE NEWS. We have a state bill; SB3478 - SCA1. Under the bill, CMAP will develop a blueprint for a bike and pedestrian-prioritized street network including 450 miles of safe, slow streets in Chicago and surrounding communities. WE NEED YOU TO SUBMIT WITNESS SLIPS. ilga.gov/Senate/heari... (1/3)
