Bicycle planners and advocates in the know have Ride Illinois on speed dial. With over 20 years in the bicycle advocacy and planning world, we can rattle off street design details before you can say NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide. We can tell you what state projects are planned for your community before you can say Illinois Department of Transportation. And we can regale you with stories about convincing xyz railroad to let abc trail cross the tracks before you can ask where next year’s GITAP is headed.

Our team is available to provide a range of support—from informal conversations to comprehensive plans—for those working on the ground to make biking better in Illinois. Here is an example of how an email from the Evanston Bike Club has sparked efforts to better accommodate cyclists on a popular commuting and training route.

A while back, the Village of Glencoe put a section of Green Bay Road on a “diet,” converting four narrow lanes to two travel lanes and a continuous center lane. More recently, raised medians were added at key mid-block pedestrian crossings. This improved pedestrian safety but produced an unintended consequence, which the club brought to our attention. Before the concrete medians were added, a driver could pass a cyclist by moving slightly into the center lane.  Although there is still room to pass, the raised medians create perceived pinch points; there is lack of clarity about how to share the road.

Ride Illinois promptly reached out to Glencoe’s public works staff, who were very receptive to the feedback. Together, they determined there is enough room to stripe 3 foot shoulders next to the 1 foot gutter pan. Carving out 4 feet of space for de facto use for cyclists would greatly increase comfort level for all. That is just 1 foot shy of a standard bicycle lane.  The Village is currently exploring the possibility of making this retrofit.

Ride Illinois recognizes that communities around the state have varying levels of resources, experience, and even buy-in when it comes to bicycle planning. That’s why we are committed to making our expertise as accessible as possible. We can serve as an “as needed by the hour” consultant to augment city staff. Because public works departments often have some flexibility to fund a project if the cost falls below a certain threshold, we can work with local advocates to propose a small project. As enthusiasm builds, it can inspire a larger effort.

So remember, we are always just a phone call, email, or online form away for assistance. And, if you are not already, please consider becoming a member today. Your financial support is what allows us to support others.