Lake Cook Road Bike Path Public Input Wanted

WAUKEGAN, IL — Lake County transportation officials want public input for ways to improve to Lake Cook Road for people when are they are not inside cars.

A new study focuses on the construction of a multi-use path along Lake Cook Road to connect the Skokie Valley Trail and the North Branch Trail along the Highland Park-Northbrook border near the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Lake County Division of Transportation, or LCDOT, officials aim to figure out where to place the new bike path, as well as the best way to connect the bike path over U.S. Route 41 and the Skokie River.

The goal of the study, which is in its early planning phase, is to establish connectively in the trail system while increasing safety and comfort for both pedestrians and cyclists in the area.

The study asks potential path users about their relative comfort at different types of crossing, as well as their preferences about whether to add a new bridge.

According to county transportation officials, the project would increase local access to destinations like the Botanic Garden, Ravinia Festival, Lake Michigan and Metra.

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"LCDOT routinely works with municipal agencies and other partners to look for opportunities to connect the dots and fill the gaps in the non-motorized network," officials said in an explanation for the survey. "This project accomplishes that by connecting two major paths that will improve the viability of travel in Lake and Cook County without the need for an automobile. "

LCDOT's virtual forum and online survey is open through Aug. 29. Community members may also use an interactive comment map to indicate exact locations. More information about the online survey is available from the county website or by contacting the project manager by email or phone.