Main Street Bikeway

Existing conditions on Main St between the Channel Trail and Ridge Ave are hostile to pedestrians and cyclists. The lack of bike lanes means those cycling must use the sidewalk, creating conflicts with pedestrians, or be forced into the street to share space with cars and trucks. Sidewalk gaps exacerbate this problem and, combined with older or missing crosswalks, also act as a barrier for pedestrians and limit access entirely for disabled individuals. As a result, many of those who travel to destinations along Main St drive, due to the lack of safe alternatives.

Thanks to the support of so many local residents, capital funding for improvements on Main St are allocated in Evanston’s FY2026 Budget. It is critical as community engagement advances that we envision a future Main St which includes a two-way bike path and safer street crossings. This would allow those on foot or bike to reach Skokie, Crown Center, Washington Elementary, and existing bike lanes along Dodge and Asbury. Additionally, narrowed travel lanes and adding dedicated left turn lanes at Main and Asbury, will improve safety and flow of vehicles.