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Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

About the Task Force
 
The task force was formed in 2010 in an effort to coordinate an update to the Bike Route Map included in the Village’s 2003 Comprehensive Plan.  The Task Force is an informal body with quarterly meetings attended by the representatives of the Village of Wheeling staff (Planning Division, Engineering Division, Capital Projects Division), the Wheeling Plan Commission, the Wheeling Park District, the Wheeling Wheelmen cycling club, and residents interested in bicycle and pedestrian planning.  The focus of the group is planning for bicycle route improvements, though considerations for pedestrian network improvements are also discussed. 
 
The goal of the task force is to gain consensus for a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian plan for the Village.  By fall of 2011, we hope to develop the map of proposed routes and combine it with a strategy for implementation that can be adopted by the Village Board following a recommendation by the Plan Commission. The objective of the planning effort is to coordinate a local bike network that serves local destinations, such as schools and parks, while connecting to existing and proposed regional bike routes in and around Wheeling.
 
The typical meeting format is to review the progress of the Staff efforts since the previous meeting, discuss the latest changes to the draft bike route map, and identify priority improvements to pursue within the next 1-5 years.  All are welcome to attend.
 
Projects to look for in the near future
 
Dundee Road Sidepath

The Village Staff is working on the design of this path segment in anticipation of applying for a grant to complete the work in the near future.  The segment is intended to connect with a future signal at Portwine Road, allowing cyclists and hikers on the Des Plaines River Trail to safely cross Dundee Road. The segment is just under one mile long, and would connect the existing sidewalks on the Des Plaines River Bridge and the I-294 overpass.  The segment would complete the continuous sidewalk from Green Bay Road in Glencoe west to Rt. 53 (12.5 miles).
 
Maps
 
2003 Comprehensive Plan Bicycle Route Map
July 2009 draft bicycle route map
August 2010 draft bicycle route map (on aerial photo)
 
Suggested Rides
 
Pleasant Run Park Loop (route map)
 
Nice ride predominately on quiet residential streets in Wheeling and Arlington Heights.  Pleasant Run Park to Lake Arlington and back again.  Pick it up anywhere along the route, or park and ride from Pleasant Run Park.  Approximately 7.0 miles, not recommended for rush hour due to two mid-block crossings of Hintz Road.
 
                     Des Plaines River Trail (route map, http://www.lcfpd.org/docs/media_pub_24497.pdf)
 
The best-kept secret in area biking is that the DPRT begins behind the Westin Hotel in Wheeling.  The Village is working with the Forest Preserve District to provide a trailhead (with parking) to the south of the hotel in conjunction with the ecological restoration of a 14-acre parcel of land.  Until then, the trail can be accessed one of two ways: (1) biking in from the traffic signal at Wolf Road and Milwaukee Avenue to take the bridge over the river that is visible from the southeast corner of the hotel parking lot; or (2) from Dundee Road, by parking in the lot by Lake Potawatomi. 
 
The trail is virtually continuous from Wheeling north to Wisconsin (follow directions behind Cubby Bear Restaurant to detour around a very short gap in the trail).  The DPRT is the backbone of the Lake County trail system (see Lake County Trail System
Map  http://www.lakecountyil.gov/Transportation/Publications/More%20Publications/County%20Bikeway%20Map.pdf ).  
The DPRT also has cross-country skiing and canoe facilities.
 
Have a local ride to suggest?  Email the Village staff (ajennings@wheelingil.gov).
 
Minutes from Previous Meetings
 
Special Workshop Meeting - March 18, 2010
Special Workshop Meeting - June 17, 2010
 
Links to Other Information Sources
 
Northwest Municipal Conference Bike & Pedestrian Committee
http://www.nwmc-cog.org/Transportation/Bike-Planning.aspx
 
Active Transportation Alliance
http://www.activetrans.org/