Talkin' About Walkin': Officials Aim to Add More Local Sidewalks

Local officials want to be more walkable.

Adding sidewalks and bicycle paths within the village, as well as more bike racks to public places—the library, for instance—were all "walkability" tactics discussed Tuesday during a committee meeting, reports the Sun-Times Media. 

The following are listed in village documents as the "primary goals" of the program:

1. Reinforce connections between existing facilities.
2. Create institutional connections.
3. Increase active transportation opportunities.
4. Use active transportation to create economic development opportunities.
5. Maintain and create programs supporting active transportation.
6. Maintain and create public police supporting active transportation.

"Planning staff ... will provide the and its partners with the tools and guidance necessary to become an exemplary bicycle and pedestrian friendly community," board documents said.

The Active Transportation Plan is being coordinated with help from the Mayor's . The grant-funded group was created last summer.

The Sun-Times Media reports:

 Village planning director Amy Connolly said one of the main goals is to increase pedestrian safety at busy intersections such as 159th Street and Harlem Avenue. It also is meant to fill gaps and connect the village’s network of sidewalks, which end abruptly on some routes.

“Some of that has to do with the fact that these are old neighborhoods, and sidewalks weren’t required at the time,” Connolly said.

The village board is scheduled to discuss the plan in June.

Check out the Sun-Times Media for the full report. 

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