COMPLETE STREETS. Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes

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1 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 1 COMPLETE STREETS Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes

2 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 2 acknowledgements Berwyn, Blue island, Champaign, DuPage county, Des plaines, Highland park, Lemont, park forest COMPLETE STREETS

3 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 3 THANK YOU THE PROJECT TEAM: THE INTERVIEWEES: Melody Geraci, Deputy Director Ellen Gottschling, Transportation Planner Intern Jacque Henrikson, Transportation Planner Hanna Kite, PICH Project Manager Leslie Phemister, Suburban Outreach Manager Heather Schady, Senior Transportation Planner Nancy Wagner, Suburban Outreach Manager Jason Berry, Blue Island, IL Nicole Campbell, Berwyn, IL Sarah Coulter, Park Forest, IL Charity Jones, Lemont, IL Ben LeRoy, Champaign, IL Derek Peebles, Des Plaines, IL Lee Smith, Highland Park, IL Daniel Thomas, DuPage County, IL Front cover photo credit: Man and boy on bike- Flickr, Ellie McCutcheon

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 4 PURPOSE... 5 SURVEYED COMMUNITIES... 7 GOAL AND STRATEGY... 8 KEY FINDINGS... 9 ELEMENTS OF COMPLETE STREETS IMPACTS OF COMPLETE STREETS POLICIES PROCESS CHANGES POLICY OUTCOMES INFRASTRUCTURE CHANGES DuPage County Blue Island Champaign Berwyn Des Plaines PROJECT FEEDBACK RESOURCES ADDITIONAL MAPS...41

5 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 5 ABOUT ACTIVE TRANS Photo Credit: Greg Borzo Founded in 1985 as the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, the Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the bicycling, walking and public transportation environment - and thereby the quality of life - in our region. We are one of the most experienced and respected bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations in the U.S. Our multi-modal vision seeks to catalyze a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. We work to advance transportation options that encourage and promote safety, physical activity, health, recreation, social interaction, equity, environmental stewardship and resource conservation.

6 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 6 PURPOSE THE GAPS BETWEEN POLICY AND PROJECTS A brief online search of Complete Streets will yield many resources for creating strong policy language, and the construction of multi-modal transportation projects. There is less information, however, on the implementation process and how communities can get from written policy to results. There is no single how-to on Complete Streets policy because every community has a different system for managing the roadway projects impacted by the policy. Municipalities that are starting from scratch are faced with reforming its planning, funding, design, construction, and maintenance practices and the public administration aspect of this effort can be very time consuming. Even the most enthusiastic elected officials may not have the staff expertise or even the time needed to coordinate training and the integration of new practices. Reciprocally, the most knowledgeable transportation engineers may not be empowered to press for progress within the hierarchy of their agency and many smaller towns do not employ their own staff engineers, relying instead on consultants who may not be in tune with new goals. The purpose of this report is to provide local communities embarking on the development of walkable, bikeable transportation networks with a perspective on local Complete Streets implementation, and resources for moving forward in this public health effort. Our process involved conducting surveys and interviews with eight communities in Illinois who have adopted Complete Streets policies- Berwyn, Blue Island, Champaign, Des Plaines, DuPage County, Lemont and Park Forest. Planners and engineers from each community spoke about how their city, village, or county s processes around road construction or reconstruction have changed since the adoption of their Complete Streets policy.

7 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 7 SURVEYED COMMUNITIES McHenry County Surveyed communities include municipalities and counties in Chicagoland who have implemented Complete Streets Policies. Lake County City of Des Plaines City of Highland Park Lake Michigan The City of Champaign in Central Illinois (not shown on map) was also interviewed. There are 26 total municipalities and counties with Complete Streets policies in Illinois. Kane County DuPage County City of Berwyn Cook County Village of Lemont City of Blue Island Kendall County Will County Village of Park Forest Indiana Miles

8 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes GOAL The goal of this report is to provide an inside look at the processes and outcomes of Complete Streets policies. STRATEGY Interview communities in the Chicago region and elsewhere in Illinois who have adopted Complete Streets policies in 2012 or earlier. Evanston, IL. Photo Credit: Steven Vance 8

9 Complete Streets in in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for for Implementing Streets for for All All Modes 9 KEY FINDINGS Many communities in Illinois have similar processes, outcomes, and methods for implementing Complete Streets projects and overcoming barriers. A majority of interviewed engineers and planners stressed the importance of inter-departmental collaboration in both the policy development and implementation processes. Recommendations include involving staff members in Public Works, Community Development, Planning, and Parks and Recreation in the review of infrastructure construction or reconstruction projects. This ensures policy compliance and increases overall awareness of the needs of all users. Implemented projects range from on-street bicycle paths, ADA-compliant sidewalks, pedestrian crossing signals, and back-in parking spaces and were prioritized based on the needs of community residents, available funding, and the necessity for a connected transportation network. Despite issues of a lack of funding or political will, many communities we spoke with were excited about both their completed projects and those currently in the design and planning stages, which are highlighted throughout the report. Gary Ave. in Carol Stream, IL Photo Credit: Bollinger Lach & Associates

10 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes Complete Streets are designed to safely accommodate all users of the road, regardless of their age, ability, or mode of travel. 10 Photo Credit: Laura Sandt,

11 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 11

12 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 12 Trees and shade Clearly marked lanes Place for exercising Safe pedestrian crossings Adequate walking space Photo credit: NYCDOT Clearly marked lanes

13 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 13 COMPLETE STREETS: Provide people with a choice of travel modes Help youth stay active by walking or biking to school each day Help people save money on transportation Stimulate economic growth Allow older adults to age in place by preserving their mobility Improve transportation networks by providing greater access to more destinations

14 PROCESS CHANGES We did not re-invent the wheel, instead we used established standards and design guides. -DuPage County Evanston, IL Photo credit: Steven Vance

15 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes Process Changes HOW DOES THE DEPARTMENT EVALUATE AND APPROVE PROJECT DESIGNS? 15 Each municipality, county, or MPO evaluates and approves project designs using different processes. DuPage County holds monthly meetings with design staff where project details are discussed. Because of the age of their policy, and perhaps the staff involved, methods to accommodate bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit are typically included in the discussion before the transportation planner has to mention it. They explained, We did not re-invent the wheel, instead we used established standards and design guides (IDOT manual, AASHTO). Those standards are especially important to follow if there are outside funding sources, which is typical. Other municipalities use Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) calculators to get before and after scores and the Plan Commission evaluates projects on state roads and near schools or parks. Some municipalities still use old standards from before policy adoption, while including newer best practices in an informal case-by-case basis. In most cases the adoption of a Complete Streets Policy means that the planning department, design staff, engineers, public works department, and village administrators are aware of the policy and adherence becomes standard operating procedure. To break down the silos between divisions, some municipalities have a Complete Streets advisory committee. In Park Forest, for example, the Village has created a review team who reviews all plans to keep the Complete Streets policy in mind. This team is comprised of staff members from various departments including Economic Development and Planning, Recreation and Parks, Public Works, and Sustainability. Recently added bicycle facilities in Skokie, IL

16 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes HAVE STAFF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES CHANGED SINCE ADOPTING THE POLICY? We have staff dedicated to bike and ped issues, among other responsibilities. -BLUE ISLAND The Planning Department is more involved in project design. -LEMONT 16 Yes, additional site inspections for compliance. -BERWYN The same people are doing the same job but with an enhanced sense of how to address non-automobile modes of transportation. -CHAMPAIGN Photo credit: Greg Borzo

17 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 17 HOW HAS THE POLICY CHANGED YOUR PROCESSES AROUND MAKING ROAD PROJECT DECISIONS? The policy does not contain specific prescriptions, but rather ensures that both the Planning & Development Dept. and the Public Works Dept. keep non-automobile users in mind throughout the entire design process. -CHAMPAIGN Public Works/Engineering propose which road projects to recommend for implementation. The Active Transportation Plan is referenced to see if bike/ped accommodations are recommended and if so, accommodations are included in design. The department doesn t approve. The Village Board does. -LEMONT All modes of transportation are considered in City projects. -BERWYN

18 1 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes POLICY SPOTLIGHT: CHAMPAIGN, IL 18 Bridge reconstruction In 2013 Champaign worked with IDOT to ensure that the reconstruction of the Windsor Rd. I-57 overpass included pedestrian and cycling infrastructure on both sides of the road, as well as enhanced lighting. Windsor Rd. is an arterial that connects commercial and residential areas in both Champaign and Urbana. There was a sidewalk on one side of the bridge from a previous bridge expansion project by IDOT. However, a worn path on the opposite side indicated that foot traffic was present on each side and the narrowness of the bridge warranted safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists. Project funding Champaign applied for funding to cover the marginal costs of the addition of Complete Streets elements to the bridge and was awarded an ITEP grant for $1.7 million to make the improvements. Improvements Bicycle Lanes, 6 wide Pedestrian Sidewalks, 5 wide. LED Street Lighting of roadway and sidewalks Installation of ADA compliant safety railing Pavement markings incorporating bike lanes and transitions The Benefit of a Complete Streets Policy If we did not have a policy we wouldn t have been on a strong enough footing to push for this project. If we didn t have a policy, we would have to do much more foundation laying before the projects could be completed. Adopting the policy was in a way cementing the fact, organizationally, that the Planning Department and Public Works were interested in these projects. Having the policy smooths the decision making process. Photo Credit: Fehr Graham Engineering

19 2 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes POLICY SPOTLIGHT: HIGHLAND PARK, IL 19 It is their charge to advise City staff and prioritize projects from the bike plan and review complete streets projects. -Highland Park Some communities continue to utilize a Complete Streets Committee after policy adoption. Other cities have committees that result from the policy process- such as an Active Living committee as part of a community health coalition (e.g. Blue Island). Bike Walk Advisory Group Highland Park has a Bike Walk Advisory that is comprised of local residents appointed by the mayor. Members meet with City planners and staff to help prioritize Complete Streets projects and other infrastructures projects prescribed in the Bike-Walk HP 2030 Plan. The use of such a committee allows residents who are aware of safety or access issues with local transportation infrastructure to provide input on a continuous basis. Des Plaines has a Staff Traffic Advisory Committee which reviews all traffic related requests and can review special projects as needed. The committee exists independent of the Complete Streets policy.

20 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 20 POLICY OUTCOMES Our Complete Streets Policy might be a symptom of a culture we want to work towards. We share these goals and want to advance them, and the policy gives form to that. -Champaign

21 Encounter Barriers HOW DO YOU OVERCOME COMPLETE STREETS BARRIERS? Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes Surveyed communities acknowledge that with success comes challenge. The most common barriers to implementing Complete Streets Policies, along with methods to overcome, are shown here. Overcome Issues Complete Your Streets 21 Funding and polictical will Spaces for physical activity Time Seek out grant opportunities Change design Variety of travel choices Have patience ROW acquisition Increased quality of life Supporting Factors Local advocates Public Education Evaluation Metrics

22 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 22 Overcoming implementation barriers Communities often cite lack of funding, time, and political will as common barriers to implementing Complete Streets projects. In addition, the sentiment that people should just drive remains prevalent in some suburban communities. However, in order to provide safe and accessible streets and modes of transportation to all users, it is crucial to seek out methods to overcome these barriers. Ideas from planners who implement their policy include searching for grant opportunities, including stakeholders in all city departments in the design and evaluation process, and having patience. I am really excited how the Department of Public Works has taken this policy to heart and how they are incorporating it into all of their project specifications. -Park Forest

23 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 23 INFRASTRUCTURE CHANGES

24 Infrastructure Changes 1 POLICY SPOTLIGHT: DUPAGE COUNTY DuPage County adopted a Complete Streets policy in 2004 and further revised it in The county was the first local agency to pass a Complete Streets policy in Illinois. As a result of their policy, also known as Healthy Roads, and a staff committed to active transportation, the county has completed: 26 new bicycle-pedestrian facility projects on newly constructed or reconstructed roads Pedestrian countdown signals at 50 intersections 11 trail projects on 4 regional trails Railroad-trail crossing improvements at 5 intersections ADA improvements to 15 intersections as part of larger projects Highlighted Projects (see Figure 1): Development of the Southern DuPage Regional Trail (a 25-mile long regional trail) was built, in part, in conjunction with roadway projects. Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes POPULATION POLICY IMPLEMENTATION 922, Roadway reconstruction along Gary Avenue in Carol Stream included complete streets elements such as bus shelters, ADA- compliant curbcuts, and a sidepath. Current projects: DuPage County is in the beginning stages of developing a bicycle and pedestrian plan for the Elgin-O Hare Western Access corridor. The current development of the corridor can provide ROW for potential on-street trails, separated trails, trail facilities, and sidewalks. The object of the plan is to ensure that bike and pedestrian projects surrounding the corridor will become increasingly more connected. TOTAL AREA (SQ MI) 337 MILES OF MULTI- USE TRAILS 92 Sources: U.S. Census (American Community Survey )

25 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 25 DUPAGE COUNTY Highlighted Project Park and Open Space Existing and Planned Bikeway Facilities Metra Line 2 Metra Station 1 SOUTH DUPAGE REGIONAL TRAIL DuPage County Division of Transportation 2 GARY AVENUE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION 1 Bollinger, Lach & Associates, Inc. Prepared By: Active Transportation Alliance, 2015 Data Source: Active Transportation Alliance, DuPage County Regional Bikeway Plan (2014), Metra, CMAP Figure 1, DuPage County Transportation Facilities and Complete Streets Projects

26 Infrastructure Changes 2 POLICY SPOTLIGHT: BLUE ISLAND The adoption of Blue Island s policy was a result of leadership within the Planning Department and Community Development Department. They were able to garner participation and support from other key stakeholders, including the Mayoral staff, elected officials, the Finance Department and the City s consulting engineering firm. Including a wide range of city staff and consultants allowed for a high degree of internal insight, guidance, and ownership of the policy. Blue Island s policy was enthusiastically adopted one month after its creation. Highlighted Projects (see Figure 2): A resurfacing project on New Street prioritized the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians by including: Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes POPULATION POLICY IMPLEMENTATION TOTAL AREA (SQ MI) 23, Improved sidewalks Crosswalks Back-in parking spaces Angled back-in parking spaces improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians by requiring drivers to look back at the sidewalk for pedestrians as they back into a parking space and to look toward the street for bicyclists while pulling into traffic. The focus on improved safety and access as emphasized in the City s policy have motivated a new perspective on project review. COMMUTING MODE SHARE Car, 83.9% Public Transportation, 10.1% Walk, 2% Taxi, 1.6% Bike, 0.1% Work at home, 2.3% Sources: Pace Bus, Metra Electric, U.S. Census (American Community Survey )

27 KEDZIE AVE FRANCISCO AVE WOOD ST KEDZIE AVE S KEDZIE AVE Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 119TH ST W 119TH ST WESTERN AVE VINCENNES RD 354 ASHLAND AVE S ASHLAND AVE BLUE ISLAND Highlighted Project Existing Bikeway Facilities Planned Bikeway Facilities Metra Line Metra Station CTA Bus Boarding Pace Bus Boarding Park and Open Space BURR OAK AVE 127TH ST W BURR OAK AVE W 127TH ST 1 NEW ST RECONSTRUCTION S PAULINA ST S MARSHFIELD AVE W VERMONT AVE WIRETON RD KEDZIE AVE NEW ST 1 VERMONT ST GREGORY ST BROADWAY ST W 135TH ST S ASHLAND AVE W 137TH ST W 138TH ST S CLAIRE BLVD W 139TH ST S KEDZIE AVE 139TH ST ASHLAND AVE THORNTON RD S WESTERN AVE Prepared By: Active Transportation Alliance, 2015 Data Source: Active Transportation Alliance, Blue Island Active Transportation Plan, CMAP, Metra, Pace, CTA Figure 2, Blue Island Transportation Facilities and Complete Streets Projects

28 Infrastructure Changes POLICY SPOTLIGHT: CHAMPAIGN 3 Champaign has incorporated Complete Streets principles in both new construction and retrofit or reconstruction projects since the adoption of their policy in 2008, including: New sidewalks and connections of gaps in the sidewalk network On-street bike routes Designated crosswalks Streetscaping improvements Completed Projects (see Figure 3): Reconstruction of the Windsor Rd. I-57 overpass to include pedestrian and cycling infrastructure on both sides of the road, as well as enhanced lighting (see page 18). Installation of bike lanes along Market St. in northern Champaign. Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes POPULATION POLICY IMPLEMENTATION TOTAL AREA (SQ MI) 81, % OF RESIDENTS COMMUTE TO WORK IN LESS THAN 10 MINUTES AND 12% WALK TO WORK WHICH DEMONSTRATES THE DEMAND FOR SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE STREETS 28 The Walk Champaign Pedestrian Plan, adopted in 2014, was one planning study that was a result of the Complete Streets policy implementation. Source: U.S. Census (American Community Survey The policy does not contain specific prescriptions, but rather ensures that both the Planning & Development Dept. and the Public Works Dept. keep non-automobile users in mind throughout the entire design process.

29 CR-25 I-57 S STALEY RD N MATTIS AVE CR-1 S MATTIS AVE US-150 N PROSPECT AVE S PROSPECT AVE N NEIL ST MARKET ST N MARKET ST N LINCOLN AVE S LINCOLN AVE W BLOOMINGTON RD US-150 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes W OLYMPIAN DR CHAMPAIGN Highlighted Project Existing Bikeway Facilities 1 Park and Open Space 29 1 MARKET ST I-74 2 WINDSOR RD/ I-57 OVERPASS W BRADLEY AVE E BRADLEY AVE W BRADLEY AVE I-72 I-72 W CHURCH ST W UNIVERSITY AVE N WALNUT ST W UNIVERSITY AVE IL-10 W SPRINGFIELD AVE E SPRINGFIELD AVE Photo Credit: Fehr Graham Engineering W KIRBY AVE E KIRBY AVE S NEIL ST 2 WINDSOR RD W WINDSOR RD US-45 W CURTIS RD Figure 3, Champaign Transportation Facilities and Complete Streets Projects CURTIS RD N DUNLAP AVE Prepared By: Active Transportation Alliance, 2015 Data Source: Active Transportation Alliance, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, IDOT

30 Infrastructure Changes POLICY SPOTLIGHT: BERWYN 4 Berwyn s policy is shaping future infrastructure projects benches garbage cans ADA compliant crossings bus shelters mid-block crossings rapid flashing beacons upgraded signals Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes and the results will be evident in the coming years. The city has already incorporated Complete Streets principles into new construction and reconstruction projects, installed ADA compliant curb ramps, and created new bike parking. Projects currently under design include streetscaping improvements, new crosswalks, modifications to traffic signals, bus shelters, on-street bike routes, and connections of gaps in the sidewalk network. As a result of the adoption of their policy, the city notes that there has been a noticeably positive difference in speeding and safety related concerns by residents. Highlighted projects (see Figure 4): Bicycle network signage in the inner loop Resurfacing of 13th St., including all ADA compliant sidewalks and curbs Current projects: Three ITEP (Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program) projects including: POPULATION TOTAL AREA (SQ MI) signing the rest of the bike network striping East Ave. with sharrows (shared-lane markings) installation of a sidewalk along 26th St. (including in front of the high school, library, and bus stops. THE POPULATION DENSITY IS 30 POLICY IMPLEMENTATION 56, In April 2016, streetscape construction will begin in the Historic Depot District, which will include: 14,500 PEOPLE/ SQ MI WHICH IS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN OTHER SURVEYED COMMUNITIES. A GREATER DENSITY OF RESIDENTS MEANS AN INCREASED DEMAND FOR DIFFERENT MODES OF TRANSPORTATION

31 DES PLAINES AVE WOODSIDE RD HARLEM AVE IL-43 OAK PARK AVE RIDGELAND AVE Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 31 W ROOSEVELT RD S HARLEM AVE 2 13TH ST ROOSEVELT RD W ROOSEVELT RD BERWYN Highlighted Project Existing Bikeway Facilities Planned Bikeway Facilities DES PLAINES AVE Metra Line Metra Station CTA Bus Boarding Pace Bus Boarding Park and Open Space S AUSTIN BLVD S CENTRAL AVE CERMAK RD 22ND ST CERMAK RD W 22ND ST W CERMAK RD 1 INNER LOOP SIGNED BIKE NETWORK DESPLAINES AVE W 26TH ST 1 26TH ST W 26TH ST W OGDEN AVE 2 ADA-COMPLIANT CURBS, 13TH ST OGDEN AVE S CENTRAL AVE BURLING RD US-34 PERSHING RD 39TH ST W 39TH ST Prepared By: Active Transportation Alliance, 2015 Data Source: Active Transportation Alliance, Berwyn Active Transportation Plan, CMAP, Metra, Pace Figure 4, Berwyn Transportation Facilities and Complete Streets Projects

32 POPULATION OF RESIDENTS ARE POLICY IMPLEMENTATION Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes TOTAL AREA (SQ MI) 58, % 55 YEARS AND OVER WHICH INDICATES THE NECESSITY TO PLAN FOR SAFE MOBILITY OPTIONS FOR AN AGING COMMUNITY Infrastructure Changes 5 POLICY SPOTLIGHT: DES PLAINES Des Plaines has reviewed all capital improvement projects, including both construction and reconstruction, against their Complete Streets policy since its adoption in Some of their recently implemented pedestrian and bicycle improvements, such as new sidewalks, on-street bike routes, ADA-compliant curbs, and mid-block pedestrian refuge, predated their policy. However, the policy was helpful in adding a bike lane/shared late to Mt. Prospect Road as part of a Cook County Highway resurfacing project. In addition, City funds were approved in 2014 for an S-curve bike/ped underpass feasibility study. Des Plaines acknowledges that their policy has given them something to lean on when asking for the provision of pedestrian facilities as part of plain review of IDOT and Cook County projects. Implemented projects: replacement bus shelter downtown pedestrian signal timing adjustment bike racks throughout downtown curb extensions Current projects: Des Plaines is working with IDOT and the Union Pacific Railroad on the provision of a bus shelter as part of a new traffic signal. In addition, the City is completing the third phase of a downtown streetscpaing project, which may include a bicycle facility along Lee Street if approved by IDOT. 32

33 S BUSSE RD BUSSE RD IL ROUTE 83 S ELMHURST RD CR-8 ELMHURST RD IL-83 S WOLF RD POTTER RD N WOLF RD N MAIN ST S MAIN ST S MOUNT PROSPECT RD N DEE RD E KENSINGTON RD S WATERMAN AVE W CENTRAL RD E CENTRAL RD DEMPSTER AVE W KENSINGTON RD W GOLF RD IL-58 W THACKER ST E RAND RD N MT PROSPECT RD S MOUNT PROSPECT RD Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes FOUNDRY RD E KENSINGTON RD US-14 E GOLF RD W DEMPSTER ST US-12 RAND RD E NORTHWEST HWY E THACKER ST DEMPSTER ST N RIVER RD E GOLF RD LEE ST MINER ST S DES PLAINES RIVER RD E RIVER RD BENDER RD W BALLARD RD E NORTHWEST HWY MILWAUKEE AVE DEARLOVE RD GOLF RD IL-58 E CENTRAL RD GLENVIEW RD CENTRAL RD W GOLF RD DEMPSTER ST IL-21 GREENWOOD RD GREENWOOD AVE N GREENWOOD AVE DES PLAINES Park and Open Space Existing Bikeway Facilities Planned Bikeway Facilities Programed Bikeway Facilities Metra Line Metra Station Pace Bus Boarding 33 IL-62 E ALGONQUIN RD W ALGONQUIN RD E ALGONQUIN RD OAKTON ST E OAKTON ST E HIGGINS RD W OAKTON ST S MT PROSPECT RD E OAKTON ST BITTERSWEET CT ALGONQUIN RD US-45 RIVERSIDE DR OAKTON ST N NORTHWEST HWY BUSSE HWY HOWARD ST HOWARD AVE LANDMEIER RD W TOUHY AVE E TOUHY AVE TOUHY AVE W TOUHY AVE S RIVER RD DES PLAINES RIVER RD N TALCOTT RD S DEE RD W TOUHY AVE W TALCOTT RD IL-72 E DEVON AVE DEVON AVE DEVON AVE E DEVON AVE MANNHEIM RD W HIGGINS RD N RIVER RD HIGGINS RD Prepared By: Active Transportation Alliance, 2015 Data Source: Active Transportation Alliance, City of Des Plaines Proposed Bike Network Map (2013), CMAP, Metra, Pace Figure 5, Des Plaines Transportation Facilities and Complete Streets Projects

34 PROJECT FEEDBACK Complete Streets in Our Communities: Complete Streets Findings Our and Communities: Recommendations Findings and Recommendations for Implementing for Future Streets Policy for Development All Modes # 34

35 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 35 IN THE PROCESS OF ADOPTING AND IMPLEMENTING COMPLETE STREETS POLICIES, WHAT DO YOU FEEL HAS WORKED? The community engagement element. -BLUE ISLAND The biggest change has been the review of all City and other projects against complete streets principles, which certainly did not happen before. It is a step in the right direction. -DES PLAINES I think we now have a solid policy foundation for striping new bike lanes, even though that funding comes less frequently and in smaller amounts than we would prefer. -CHAMPAIGN Berwyn and its staff have always supported complete streets. Having a staff in favor of such design is preferable. -BERWYN Doing it collaboratively with all of the departments involved was the key part in making sure there is agreement and commitment to implement the policy. -PARK FOREST It s institutionally established. The policy virtually works by itself as a standard operating procedure. -DUPAGE COUNTY

36 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes WHAT HASN T WORKED IN YOUR PROCESS? It is evident from speaking with communities that communication and coordination among staff in different city departments is vital to the health of a policy. Many of the highlighted projects were successfully completed in part because of policy awareness and support among staff members in addition to the committees who continue to meet after the adoption of their policy. However, hiccups in project implementation sometimes occur with the election of a new mayor, council members or other staff. This can be attributed to new staff members having no knowledge of or ownership of the policy and dismissing it as a product of the previous administration. In this case, it is important for champions of the policy to educate new staff members on their evaluation and implementation methods. 36

37 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 37 DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER COMMUNITIES WHO ARE INTERESTED IN IMPLEMENTING A COMPLETE STREETS POLICY? Better sooner than later. It does not really impact very many projects annually, because most agencies don t have too many projects funded annually. If you have a project with outside funding sources, include CS applications because any additional costs will be subsidized. In the short-term, changes are not noticeable. In the long-term, you ll be developing a network that will be used and appreciated. But you must think about long-term success, not short-term gain. -DUPAGE COUNTY Working with a knowledgeable group like Active Trans is a great start. I m pretty sure we would never have gotten to the step of getting a policy adopted without the assistance of Active Trans. And to this point, I don t think we would have been able to even get a contract with Active Trans had it not been part of a grant. -DES PLAINES Get everyone involved! We went through many iterations of the policy working on language and making it clear as to the expectations of the policy and insuring that it will in fact be implemented. -PARK FOREST

38 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 38 RESOURCES Photo credit: Gary Howe

39 RESOURCES Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 39 ACTIVE TRANS POLICY NATIONAL COMPLETE STREETS COALITION NACTO URBAN STREET DESIGN GUIDE IDOT COMPLETE STREETS DESIGN POLICY (RELEVANT CHAPTERS)

40 POLICIES Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes POLICY ATLAS BERWYN CHAMPAIGN DES PLAINES DUPAGE COUNTY HIGHLAND PARK 40 LEMONT PARK FOREST

41 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes ADDITIONAL MAPS 41

42 S RIDGE RD W OLD ELM RD S SKOKIE HWY OLD ELM RD E OLD ELM RD CR-52 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 42 HIGHLAND PARK Park and Open Space Existing Bikeway Facilities Planned Bikeway Facilities SKOKIE VALLEY RD Metra Line SHERIDAN RD Metra Station Pace Bus Boarding WAUKEGAN AVE IL-22 HALF DAY RD US-41 SKOKIE HWY PRAIRIE AVE SKOKIE HWY IL-43 WAUKEGAN RD RIDGE RD 1ST ST BERKELEY RD US-41 SKOKIE VALLEY RD CENTRAL AVE CR-11 ST JOHNS AVE SKOKIE VALLEY RD OLD DEERFIELD RD DEERFIELD RD GREEN BAY RD SHERIDAN RD KATES RD RIDGE RD CLAVEY RD N PFINGSTEN RD LAKE COOK RD S WAUKEGAN RD SKOKIE BLVD EDENS EXPY E COUNTY LINE RD Prepared By: Active Transportation Alliance, 2015 Data Source: Active Transportation Alliance, Highland Park Bike-Walk HP 2030 Plan, CMAP, Metra

43 STATE ST DERBY RD PARKER RD MOREY DR LEMONT RD S PARKER RD KINGERY HWY CR-16 CR-67 WOODWARD AVE CR-9 271A 271A Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes 271B 271B 91ST ST LEMONT Park and Open Space Existing Bikeway Facilities 43 Planned Bikeway Facilities LEMONT RD Metra Line IL-83 ARCHER AVE Metra Station Pace Bus Boarding 107TH ST JOLIET RD S JOLIET RD INTERNATIONALE PKY MURPHY RD MAIN ST ROUTE TH ST E NEW AVE E ILLINOIS ST IL-171 ARCHER AVE S NEW AVE W NEW AVE ARCHER AVE MCCARTHY RD BELL RD W 127TH ST ARCHER AVE W 131ST ST 131ST ST NEW AVE 135TH ST W 135TH ST S ARCHER AVE S NEW AVE ARCHER AVE W 143RD ST S BELL RD Prepared By: Active Transportation Alliance, 2015 Data Source: Active Transportation Alliance, CMAP, Metra

44 Complete Streets in Our Communities: Findings and Recommendations for Implementing Streets for All Modes PARK FOREST Park and Open Space Existing Bikeway Facilities Planned Bikeway Facilities Metra Line Metra Station Pace Bus Boarding 44 Prepared By: Active Transportation Alliance, 2015 Data Source: Active Transportation Alliance, Village of Park Forest Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (2014), CMAP, Metra, Pace

45 IMPROVING OPTIONS FOR BIKING, WALKING, AND TRANSIT ACCESS