City’s collaborative efforts and commitment to improving biking and walking earn a bronze designation
The City of Highland Park has been awarded a Bicycle Friendly Community designation at the Bronze level by the League of American Bicyclists. The League reserves this award for select communities with impressive commitments to bicycling.
A Bike Friendly Community welcomes bicyclists by providing safe accommodations for bicycling and encouraging people to bike for transportation and recreation. Making bicycling safe and convenient are keys to improving public health, reducing traffic congestion, and improving both air quality and quality of life. There are currently 19 recognized Bicycle Friendly Communities in Illinois including the City of Highland Park. The Bicycle Friendly Community program provides a roadmap to improving conditions for bicycling.
“The City remains dedicated to providing safe, accessible, and scenic places for biking throughout our community,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “Thank you to The League of American Bicyclists for recognizing the City’s extensive work in this capacity and to the Bike Walk Advisory Group and City staff for their hard work and leadership in recommending and implementing the numerous bike friendly improvements in the community that are enjoyed daily.”
The Bike Walk Advisory Group (BWAG) focuses on increasing the viability and safety of non-automotive travel. BWAG members convene regularly to reviews and make recommendations on activities and initiatives aligned with the City’s BikeWalk HP 2030 Plan. BWAG is represented by Councilwoman Kim Stone and Highland Park residents Ed Brill, Brent Ross, Phil Kaplan, Peggy Laemle, Marliss Levin, Elliot Rossen, and Stuart Senescu.
The City approved the BikeWalk HP 2030 plan in 2012 and has since made significant strides in improving access and safety for walkers and bicyclists of all ages and abilities.
BikeWalk HP 2030 proposes that Highland Park develop dedicated bicycle lanes, designate shared roadways, sign bicycle routes and shared use paths, and improve sidewalks and intersections throughout the City for cyclists and pedestrians. The plan has progressed through the collaborative efforts of the City Council, City staff, the Park District of Highland Park, and community residents.
For more information, please contact Jaemi Jackson at jjackson@cityhpil.com or 847.926.1853.