The city of Park Ridge Bike Task Force met Sept. 14 to review prior work.
Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the city:
CITY OF PARK RIDGE
505 BUTLER PLACE
PARK RIDGE, IL 60068
TEL: 847-318-5200
FAX: 847-318-5300
TDD: 847-318-5252
www.parkridge.us
M I N U T E S
BIKE TASK FORCE
CITY HALL SECOND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM
505 BUTLER PLACE
PARK RIDGE, IL 60068
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 AT 7:00PM
I. Roll Call
On roll call, the following indicated their presence: Melissa Hulting, Jim O’Donnell, Joe DeYoung,
Claris Olsen, Lauren Pahnke, Scott Scheuber, Matthew Talbert. Also present were Alderman
Roger Shubert, Mario Bartoletti – Pioneer Press, Cheryl DeYoung, Steve Schilling and Senior
Administrative Assistant, Brigid Madden.
Erick Coker and Brian Hughes were absent.
II. Opening Remarks – Alderman Shubert
Alderman Shubert has served as the fourth ward Alderman since 2013. He is also the Chairman of
the Public Works Committee; he serves as the liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission and
is a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Board. He acknowledged the initiatives of the former Bike
Path Committee, established 10 years ago. Alderman Shubert explained that he would like to see
a thorough review and outlook of the steps Park Ridge can take to become more bike-able and
walkable, which includes a list of short-term and long-term initiatives that the Task Force can
accomplish. He mentioned that the City is undertaking a strategic planning process which will
begin in October to discuss the goals of the City and upcoming capital projects. Alderman Shubert
explained that he will make a Bike Task Force update at each monthly Public Works Committee
meeting.
III. Introduction by Members
Each member of the Task Force introduced themselves and explained what they hope the Task
Force can accomplish.
IV. Review of Prior Task Force Work – Cheryl DeYoung
Cheryl DeYoung explained that the former Bike Path Committee consisted of six members – a staff
member from the City’s Public Works Department, a representative from District 64 and the Park
District, two residents, and an individual who worked for the League of Illinois Bicyclists. Ms.
DeYoung explained the goals of the 2004 Committee, which were to introduce new bike ways,
develop a consensus on the types of routes to be used, and recommend and prioritize the streets to
be considered. A goal in selecting bikes ways was to connect to the Des Plaines River Trail and
North Branch River Trail. She explained that bike ways include bike lanes, bike routes and shared
parking lanes. A map was distributed which outlines the streets selected for bike ways. Ms.
DeYoung explained that additional notes indicate why specific streets were selected. She
explained that the Committee’s budget for the fiscal year beginning in May of 2015 was $10,000.
The cost estimates for the addition of bike ways were $0.40/foot of striping, $40/sign and
$60/stencil. If a street was a State route, the Committee was required to work with the State, which
Ms. DeYoung indicated was challenging.
Minutes for the Human Needs Task Force (Cont.)
Page 2 of 4
Alderman Shubert acknowledged that many street related projects will go beyond the approval of
the City Council and often involve the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). He suggested
seeking input from IDOT to provide an understanding of what is feasible in the City of Park Ridge.
He also noted the City’s schedule for repaving and suggested that work be tied into that schedule.
Ms. DeYoung explained that the Committee dissolved shortly after they lost their point of contact
with the City.
The Commission discussed the “priority points” assigned to routes.
Joe DeYoung explained that the work of the previous Committee is relevant today, especially
information pertaining to street specifications and PR materials about the benefits of biking. He
indicated that the needs of the residents have not changed significantly over the last 10 years.
Melissa Hulting discussed the importance of having City staff involved in the Task Force. Alderman
Shubert explained that he would speak with the City Manager to ensure that the Task Force is a
priority and work to secure support from the Public Works Department.
Ms. DeYoung suggest securing a liaison from the school districts. She provided the contact
information for the communications person from each district.
V. Briefing of NW Suburban Active Transportation Council Meeting – Jim O’Donnell/Joe
DeYoung
Chairman O’Donnell explained that he, Mr. DeYoung and Mr. Talbert attended the NW Suburban
Active Transportation quarterly meeting the previous night. Mr. DeYoung explained that their
primary objective was to find a model that can be used in Park Ridge. During the meeting, each
suburb reviewed the progress toward their plan. He stated that IDOT has just appointed a new
Bicycle and Pedestrian Policy Engineer, John McCormick. Chairman O’Donnell explained that it
would be advantageous of the City to adopt a “complete streets” policy, meaning that any
transportation construction considers safe access for pedestrians and bikes, as well as vehicles.
Alderman Shubert explained that the Public Works Director and City Engineer are receptive to this
policy.
Chairman O’Donnell explained that the objective of the NW Active Transportation Alliance is to
share information and connect with other suburbs.
VI. Brainstorm for Issues to Bring to October 4th Audit
Chairman O’Donnell explained that Mark Fenton, a transportation consultant, will be presenting at
an active transportation summit at the Botanic Gardens on October 4th. Prior to his presentation, he
will be visiting suburban communities for “walk audits.” Park Ridge is schedule for a walk audit on
the morning of October 4th at 8:00am, beginning at City Hall. Alderman Shubert explained that he
is working to secure a City staff member to greet the group prior to the walk and potentially attend.
Chairman O’Donnell asked each member to provide input on what they would like addressed during
the audit.
Matt Talbert explained that the biggest need is additional bike racks in the Uptown area, specifically
closer to restaurants and shopping. It was noted that racks are available at the Library. Lauren
Pahnke stated that there are racks near the Chase Bank, but they serve the entire block. She
suggested additional bikes racks spread out throughout the Uptown area. Melissa Hulting
discussed bike racks at the Uptown train station. Ms. Pahnke explained that she called the City
and requested additional bike racks at the train station last year and shortly after a new rack was
installed south of the tracks.
Minutes for the Human Needs Task Force (Cont.)
Page 3 of 4
Scott Scheuber stressed the importance of connecting the north side of Park Ridge to the south
and addressing the railroad crossings.
Claris Olsen discussed the available space on Greenwood Ave, north of Touhy Ave for a bike lane.
Joe DeYoung explained that Northwest Hwy and Busse Hwy are strategic targets for bike lanes.
He acknowledged the bike lane on Northwest Hwy in Chicago which abruptly ends when entering
Park Ridge. He spoke about the problems entering the Des Plaines River Trail.
Melissa Hulting explained that the intersection of Touhy Ave and Busse Hwy should be addressed.
She also suggested the entrance to the Des Plaines River Trail at Sibley St and the area around
the high school.
Matt Talbert suggest that Western Ave serve as a connection from north to south – Western Ave to
Elm St, crossing the tracks at Greenwood Ave and connecting back to Western Ave on Busse Hwy.
The connectivity to the North Branch Trail was also suggested as a topic for the audit.
Dangerous street crossings were considered, including the crosswalk by the Walgreens in South
Park and the six corner intersection at Northwest Hwy, Touhy Ave and Prospect Ave. Lauren
Pahnke suggested traffic stop in all directions to allow walkers to cross the street.
Alderman Shubert acknowledged the new crosswalk buttons installed at Touhy Ave and Western
Ave. Chairman O’Donnell pointed out that there is no button on the northwest corner at that
intersection. Alderman Shubert suggested that the buttons be more consistent throughout the City.
Joe De Young suggested that sensors which can be triggered by bikes be considered as well.
Flashing crosswalks were also discussed, particularly in the area of Maine South High School and
the Des Plaines River Trail.
The crossing at Summit Ave and Prospect Ave was also identified as an area to address with Mr.
Fenton.
VII. Set Meeting Dates
There was a consensus to meet monthly, on the second Wednesday of the month. Due to some
conflicts, however, the next meeting will be Wednesday, October 19th at 7:00pm.
VIII. New Business
Melissa Hulting explained the Local Technical Assistance Program, in which municipalities apply
and receive free planning support from CMAP. She explained that the City would need to provide a
point of contact.
Chairman O’Donnell stated that Nancy Wagner from Active Transportation would be available to
attend an upcoming Task Force meeting. Ms. Hulting explained that many organizations including
Active Transportation and the Northwest Municipal Conference provide planning assistance.
Chairman O’Donnell explained that the bike and pedestrian plan must be adopted by the City in
order to receive funding from either the federal government, state government or the Department of
Transportation.
Chairman O’Donnell explained that the Task Force’s next steps would be to recap the walk audit,
explore planning resources and determine short term solutions.
The Task Force will look to connect with school and park district liaisons, as well as the Forest
Preserve. Ms. Hulting will also connect with Go Green Park Ridge.
Minutes for the Human Needs Task Force (Cont.)
Page 4 of 4
IX. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:50pm.
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