Help Evanston Become A Bike-Friendly Community

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston has applied for a Bicycle-Friendly Community distinction to improve conditions for local bicyclists.

The League of American Bicyclists conducts a national census of biking experiences in America yearly. This year, nearly 100 communities nationwide submitted applications to the League's Bicycle Friendly Community, including Evanston.

"A BFC welcomes bicyclists by providing safe accommodations for bicycling and encouraging people to bike for transportation and recreation," the League's website says. "Making bicycling safe and
convenient are keys to improving public health, reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and improving quality of life."

Survey responses will help the village understand bicycling conditions and potential areas for improvement.

The survey will ask about your biking habits and the availability of biking infrastructure in the village. Residents will be able to share their opinions and suggestions for making Evanston a more bicycle-friendly community.

In Illinois, nine other communities are also seeking the distinction this year, including nearby communities Skokie and Niles. There are already 14 bicycle-friendly communities in the state and Illinois is ranked the 11th-most bicycle-friendly state behind Michigan.

The deadline to complete the survey is Oct.5.