Chicago Ave Protected Bike Lanes

Chicago Avenue is one of Evanston’s busiest north-south cycling routes despite lacking dedicated lanes, creating hazardous conditions for all road users and discouraging hesitant riders. A fully protected bikeway on Chicago Ave will create a direct connection between Downtown Evanston and Rogers Park, allowing residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to safely pedal to local schools, parks, and Main-Dempster Mile shops

Cyclists and pedestrians account for 63% of all serious injuries along Chicago Ave. Numerous hit and runs have caused life-altering critical injuriesand deaths. Complete Street infrastructure is proven to reduce speeding- decreasing both the likelihood and severity of crashes.Protected bike lanes will improve travel conditions for cyclists and drivers alike, and discourage sidewalk riding making pedestrians safer.

Studies show that when these improvements are installed, business revenues increase.

More trips to Chicago Ave by foot, bike, bus and train will improve air quality, reduce noise pollution and carbon emissions, and free up road space for those that will continue to drive.

Additionally, the project will increase parking capacity and overall throughput of the corridor, and support the vitality of Chicago Ave for commerce while reducing car reliance and congestion. Hundreds of residents and businesses have signed on in support of the bikeway, which is fully funded and is expected to break ground in 2027.