The bicycle accident and injury attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. know that with the inclement winter weather behind us, Chicago bicycle enthusiasts have begun to emerge once again. Unfortunately, the busy roadways of Chicago, and surrounding Illinois suburbs, often present dangerous circumstances for bicyclists sharing such roadways with cars, trucks, and buses. With motor vehicle accidents involving bicyclists on the rise in recent years, our bicycle accident attorneys were pleased to see our state address safety issues through The Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) launch of a Bike Transportation Plan Initiative.
Recommendations for the final plan, which is due for to be completed by December 2013 include:
• Bicycling related planning and policy recommendations,
• Bikeway safety, design and maintenance recommendations,
• Regional-scale bikeway network recommendations,
• Bikeway network implementation and prioritization recommendations,
• State bicycling performance measures,
• Education, outreach and enforcement recommendations, and • Funding recommendations
According to the DOT, and Alta Planning + Design, which is under contract to complete the bike plan, “The Illinois Bike Transportation Plan will follow the Long Range Plan’s theme of Transforming Transportation for Tomorrow and will provide the Department with policies, best practices and strategic direction for implementing a sustainable, multimodal vision for Illinois.” More information on the Bike Transportation Plan can be accessed by visiting:
http://www.altaprojects.net/illinois-bike-transportation-plan/
The Bike Transportation plan is only a part of Illinois’ Long Range Transportation Plan, which also include development plans affecting highways, freight mobility, and railways. To view more information on Illinois’ Long Range Plan, please visit:
http://www.illinoistransportationplan.org/
IDOT’s vision, as stated in Transforming Transportation for Tomorrow, provides that the “IDOT must prepare and plan for one transportation system for the next 40 years by integrating multi-modal planning and programming to support our economy and our way of life.” 2012.pdf
The injury and accident lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. are hopeful that Illinois’ Long Range Plan will make the roadways safer for all Chicago residents, whether bicyclist, pedestrian, or motorist. However, our team of attorneys recognize, through years of experience, that accidents will continue to occur even in the presence of policy reform. In the unfortunate event of an accident, it is important that you know your legal rights. Contact us today at (773) 516-4100 for a free personal injury consultation.