Don’t miss this generational opportunity to advocate for better biking and safer streets in Evanston!
Tips to maximize your impact at the meetings:
#1: Suggest specific corridors and improvements.
“We need protected bike lanes on Main St from the Channel to Ridge for better east-west connectivity.”
“Install a bike and pedestrian path along Sheridan Road from Calvary Cemetery to Clark Square Park to extend our lakefront trail.”
“Upgrade the Church and Davis Street lanes downtown with concrete barriers to stop illegal parking by cars/ trucks.”
“Create a greenway on Lincoln/Harrison Street connecting Skokie’s Old Orchard Trail to Sheridan Road and Northwestern.”
#2: Emphasize comprehensive and high-quality design standards.
“Evanston needs a bike network for All Ages and Abilities.”
“Paint is not protection. Busy roads need protected lanes, not just signs and ‘shared lane’ markings.”
“We need raised crosswalks, bus boarding islands, and protected bike lanes/intersections included in all major street projects.”
“Neighborhood greenways, protected lanes, and off-street paths are safe and comfortable for the entire population, from children to seniors, enabling cycling to become a viable daily transportation mode for everyone.”
#3: Be prepared to address potential concerns thoughtfully and positively.
“Studies show 2/3rds of people are interested in biking but are concerned about safety.”
“Bike lanes reduce parking/road congestion and sidewalk riding, making our streets safer for everyone including drivers and pedestrians.”
“Over half of all car trips in the US are less than 3 miles, equivalent to a 20-minute or less bike ride. With the same door-to-door convenience of cars, converting even a fraction of these trips to bikes would bring huge societal benefits.”
“Biking is good for our planet, our health, and our local economy.”
“A bike is affordable transportation for those who cannot afford the $12,000 average annual cost of car ownership.”