Plans for a two-way protected cycletrack along Chicago Ave between Davis and Howard Streets, combined with enhanced bus stops, sidewalks, and crosswalks, present a generational opportunity to enhance this vital corridor and connect our community. Chicago Ave is highly utilized today by cyclists, despite the lack of dedicated bike lanes. Additional residents and visitors of all ages and abilities would feel comfortable riding on Chicago Ave to reach local shops, schools, and parks, as well as Downtown Evanston, with protected lanes.

From its original opening in 1925 until 1948, the CTA Yellow Line (also known as the Skokie Swift) had several stops in Evanston. After major changes in the mid-20th century, platforms at Dodge, Asbury, and Ridge were shuttered and dismantled. Reopening a station in one of these locations would enhance access to Ascension Saint Francis Hospital, Levy Senior Center and the Howard St business district, while also providing connections to numerous local bus routes.

Existing travel conditions for cyclists on Main St are lacking; using the narrow and non-continuous sidewalk causes conflicts with pedestrians, while taking to the street with fast-moving cars and trucks is dangerous. Slated for resurfacing in the coming years, the inclusion of a separated bicycle facility on this highly traveled east-west route is critical: connecting Skokie, the Channel Trail, Crown Center, Washington Elementary, the Main-Dempster Mile shops, and existing lanes along Dodge and Asbury Avenues.

The safety of our ETHS Students walking and cycling to school is a top priority. Continuous, protected bike lanes along the south side of Church Street from the Channel Bridge/Trail to Dodge Ave, is a critical project for enhancing our community. Existing street conditions in the vicinity leave much to be desired at present, with no designated lanes and high volumes of car and truck traffic, discouraging cycling and increasing the chance of injuries and fatalities.

With a $40,000 Invest in Cook grant, the first phase of planning on the North Shore Channel Trail extension is now underway. This project would see the paved walking and cycling path continue north from its current dead-end terminus at Green Bay Road to Gilson Park in Wilmette- creating a nearly uninterrupted multi-use trail from Belmont Ave in Chicago to the lakefront.