Meeting notes were approved.

Grand Illinois Presentation

George Bellovics, landscape architect for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, gave a presentation on the Grand Illinois Trail (GIT). As planned, it will be a 500-mile trail system that recognizes existing trail systems and encourages connections between them, forming a statewide network that links Lake Michigan to the Mississippi. 280 miles are already complete and many more are programmed.

The trails link towns together, which are generally spaced 8-12 miles apart. Communities have the opportunity to "stamp" the section of the trail running through them. Good partnerships between municipalities and other agencies are essential to overcoming the challenge of connections. The primary challenge to the completion of GIT is the Boub decision. By stating that cyclists are permitted but not intended users of roadways, the ruling increased the burden of liability for municipalities that designate bicycle facilities. As a result, some municipalities have chosen not to put up signs. However, Mr. Bellovics feels signage and wayfinding are essential and called for equity between modes and transportation planning that incorporates the needs of cyclists from the top down.

Mr. Anderson expressed the Illinois Prairie Trail Authority’s recommendation that their regional off-road network be considered part of the connected and coordinated transportation network in the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).

Ms. Moore asked if contact has been made with chambers of commerce to tout the recreational and economic development benefits of trail systems. Mr. Bellovics responded that GIT is partnering with chambers of commerce and tourism.

Mr. Sturges mentioned the importance of connections to other states and the American Discovery Trail. Mr. Privett added that Northewestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) is working to make interstate connections, using GIT as a model.

In response to a question about what off-road trails are used for, Mr. Neufeld referred to a CATS report that showed 2/3 of trail travel in suburban northeastern Illinois is utilitarian. Mr. Bellovics added that connectivity is the key to utility and that we need access to trails in communities. People often think of trails as recreational, but they also serve transportation needs. Mr. Rickert shared anecdotal evidence of utilitarian use; when doing a survey of trail users they kept hearing, "Sorry can’t stop, late for work."

Mr. Anderson ventured that trails spur reinvestment in downtowns; they can be a quality of life/smart growth tool. The heavy use on the I & M canal trail has helped the communities along it.

3. Bike Promotion

Amy Callner of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation discussed the role promotion can play in bicycle planning and described CBF’s and the city of Chicago’s efforts. Building and designating bicycle facilities is not enough to achieve a modal shift; people need to know that the facilities exist, how to use them safely and be encouraged to try using them for transportation. Promotion can also help create a more supportive climate for bicycle planning; as more people use facilities, the demand for them will increase.

CBF organizes a bicycle commuter challenge as part of bike month. The goals of the challenge are to encourage people to try bike commuting for the first time, increase awareness of cycling as a transportation option and convince people that bike commuting is a normal, uncomplicated activity. Individuals within companies, not-for profits and government agencies agree to promote bike commuting within their office. Prizes are given to organizations with the highest levels of bike commuting during a specific time frame—this year’s challenge runs May 22-June 16. Participants in the challenge receive a button that confers discounts at bike stores and restaurants throughout the region. Organizations can also provide incentives like t-shirts, free lunches and flex time to encourage employees to participate.

The commuter challenge ties into Bike Chicago 2000, a month-long celebration of the bicycle organized by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. The events include rides throughout the city, safety and maintenance workshops, discussion forums and a bike to work day rally. These events not only increase awareness of bicycling, they help educate people about existing facilities and strategies for using them. Chicago’s Department of Transportation also provides informational packets that include bike safety pamphlets, city and regional maps and planning updates, on request (312-742-BIKE) and at bike shops and other locations.

Mr. Rickert stated that Kane County would be very interested in similar promotional activities and asked for advice on where to get started. Mr. Neufeld explained that much of the city’s bike month involved pulling together pre-existing events organized by a variety of agencies. Chicago’s safe bicycling guide was put together using 402 safety funds and served as the basis for the state guide. Perhaps the most important part of promotion is a bicycle map and a method for distributing it. It helps to partner with the media, park districts, schools and local businesses.

Ms. Post suggested using the Chicago Area Bicycle Dealers Association (CABDA) to distribute promotional information to suburban bike shops. The possibility of CATS playing a role in promotion was brought up; for example, it could provide links to or describe the work of municipalities that are doing bicycle planning and promotion.

4. Soles and Spokes Update

Mr. Petersen provided an update on conference planning and asked those in attendance to register and assist with promotion.

5. RTP Update

Mr. Anderson reiterated that the Illinois Prairie Trail Authority (IPTA) plan should be included as part of Illinois’ transportation network. IPTA is an entity created by the state, comprised of all the county forest preserves except Cook’s. They are working toward connecting all of their trail systems. A motion was passed to invite the IPTA to make a presentation at the next task force meeting.

Mr. Rickert inquired about the status of CATS’ bikeways database and was informed that new information is incorporated as it is received.

Ms. Ladner suggested updating the transit section of the RTP to reflect the progress that has been made in terms of bicycle access to transit, specifically Pace’s demonstration project to put racks on busses. Mr. Neufeld suggested that a future task force meeting address the issue of transit access.

He also explained why there is some resistance to including the IPTA plan in the RTP. Currently the RTP only mentions built and funded facilities. The IPTA plan includes planned facilities. In the absence of a regional bikeway plan, the IPTA plan might function as the default regional plan. This could give IPTA an advantage when it seeks funding to complete its plan. Mr. Rickert added that Kane’s primary concerns are not trail systems, rather community links and getting people out of their vehicles.

Ms. Fagan noted that, in DuPage County, 80 different groups do bicycle facility planning and Mr. Neufeld added that embedding one implementer’s plan into the RTP would essentially elevate one planning agency over others. Mr. Anderson suggested that that issue could be dealt with in the text of the RTP. Ms. Bolte expressed concern that all agencies would want to be involved and that the IPTA plan might be too recreationally focused. She suggested this issue be addressed when work on the freestanding regional bicycle/pedestrian plan begins.

6. Sub-regional Bike Planning

Ms. Bolte explained that competition for Unified Work Program (UWP) funding is particularly stiff this year and that Ms. Kilgore is working with the planning liaisons to refine and prioritize funding requests.

7. Municipal Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Guide Update

Ms. Kilgore shared an outline of the guide. Mr. Rickert expressed interest in providing feedback once a draft is completed.

8. Other Business

Ms. Bolte explained that IDOT has agreed to provide support for training and education and that we might bring Dan Burden out next spring to do a Walkable Communities training. She also suggested that next year a UWP funding request be made for the development of the freestanding plan.

An audience member expressed appreciation that IDOT and CDOT have been working with advocacy groups during their planning processes.

Ms. Moore showed a video put together by the Palatine/Willow Road Community Mobilization Team, which is trying to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists along that corridor.

9. The next meeting of the task force is scheduled for May 25^th 9:30 am (rescheduled for June 21, 11am.)