Ride Illinois recently completed its final draft of a municipal bicycle plan for Charleston, IL. The plan defines action steps leading to safe and convenient bicycle transportation between any two points within the city of Charleston, as well as connect off-road trails to Mattoon (and Amtrak), Fox Ridge State Park, and Lake Charleston. It also includes recommendations on infrastructure, education, and enforcement improvements across the city. Read the plan here.

A public hearing on the bicycle plan will be held on Thursday, April 12 at 7pm at the Charleston City Council Chambers and we encourage all Charleston area members to attend.

Ride Illinois is also excited to begin work on a comprehensive bicycle plan for the neighboring city of Mattoon, IL. The goal of the plan is to identify approximately 25 miles of potential bikeways within the city limits, putting 99% of Mattoon residents within half a mile of the proposed bike network. Ride Illinois will be working closely with Mattoon city officials as well as community members to gather input, focus route planning efforts, and prioritize where improvements are made.

A public brainstorming workshop will be held on Wedneday, April 11 at 6:30pm at Burgess Osborne Auditorium. We encourage all Mattoon and neighboring community members to attend.

Both the Charleston bicycle plan and Mattoon bicycle plan are generously supported by the Lumpkin Family Foundation.