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Help identify bicycle or pedestrian safety issues in your community
Are you aware of areas in your community that may be unsafe for bicyclists, pedestrians, or other vulnerable road users?
You can help improve safety by identifying these locations in a new online map. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will use the data to inform a vulnerable road user assessment, which is required by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. To learn more about the assessment and how you can provide input, watch this webinar.
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Take a survey about Illinois' transportation system
Share your thoughts on the state's transportation system by taking IDOT's annual Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey.
You'll provide feedback on topics ranging from road conditions and ice-and-snow removal to commuting habits and driving behaviors.
The survey is available through Monday, May 8.
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Request for proposals: Project management and oversight of countywide safety action plans
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is requesting proposals from interested consultants to oversee the development of countywide safety action plans.
Our region received a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation under the new Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The grant will fund a comprehensive program called Safe Travel for All Roadmap (STAR), which will provide a framework for safety research and programs to make northeastern Illinois safer for all travelers. In particular, the program will provide technical assistance to six counties in our region to develop countywide safety action plans.
CMAP is seeking a consultant to provide project management and oversight of the development, delivery processes, and quality control of all activities related to the countywide safety actions.
Proposals are due by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5.
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May is National Bicycle Safety Month
Our region is experiencing a traffic safety crisis, and an increasing number of those killed are people walking or riding a bike — our most vulnerable travelers.
May is National Bicycle Safety Month. To help raise awareness, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has created sample social media posts, news releases, and other resources for communities, organizations, and advocates to share.
Consider sharing these safety tips with your community:
- Traffic safety is a shared responsibility. When driving, look out for bicyclists, and never drive distracted. Bicyclists do not have the same protections as a vehicle.
- If you see a bicyclist, slow down. The higher the vehicle speed, the higher the likelihood a bicyclist will be seriously injured or killed in a crash.
- Just like seat belts help save lives in a car crash, bicycle helmets save lives, too. When biking, always wear a helmet.
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Join the Bike Commuter Challenge
The Bike Commuter Challenge is a month-long biking competition where metropolitan Chicago organizations compete to see who can earn the most points by riding their bike.
You don’t have to be an experienced bike commuter to participate. And it’s free to join! Just sign up, ride your bike, and watch the points roll in.
The challenge runs from Monday, May 15, through Sunday, June 11.
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More than $1 billion in funding available for traffic safety projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation has opened a new round of funding for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. Communities can apply for grants to plan or carry out projects that help reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. A total of $1.177 billion is available. Applications are due by Monday, July 10.
During the first round of Safe Streets and Roads for All, northeastern Illinois was one of only 500 locations across the country awarded federal funding.
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Funding available to expand safe, equitable access to public transportation
IDOT is accepting applications for a competitive grant program that aims to expand safe, equitable access to public transportation. Grants will fund studies on planning and preliminary engineering issues regarding public multimodal and non-motorized transportation.
Previously chosen projects range from bus-on-shoulder travel to transit equity, trails and bikeways, transit system expansion, travel behavior of people with disabilities, and transportation for veterans.
Governmental entities — such as counties, metropolitan planning agencies, municipalities, state agencies, public transit agencies, and state universities — are urged to apply.
The program's total funding is $2.5 million. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24.
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Learn about Safe Routes to School, other funding programs at IDOT informational events
The new funding cycle for IDOT's Safe Routes to School program will be open from August 1 to October 2. The program provides grants to improve safety, encourage walking and biking, and reduce traffic around Illinois schools. This year's funding will be available for both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects.
You can learn more about the program, prepare for the new funding cycle, and meet with IDOT staff at upcoming conferences. These informational events help local partners understand and apply for three programs: Safe Routes to Schools, the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, and Economic Development Assistance.
The conferences in our region will be held on May 23 and 24 in Schaumburg and May 25 and 26 in Orland Park. You can register for general information sessions, as well as schedule a one-on-one appointment with IDOT staff.
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