If you think of a bike as a kid’s toy you’ll never understand the need for a bike network in Oak Park. Many of us grew up on bikes and then graduated to cars as soon as possible. Many, however, still prefer bikes over cars as an effective and enjoyable mode of transportation. As electric bikes and other modes of electric transportation become more common, the demand for a complete network of safe streets will increase.
As part of a strategy for addressing climate change, some cities are implementing safe bike networks to encourage more cycling as an alternative mode of transportation. Minneapolis, a city with lower population density than Oak Park and a harsher winter climate, has established a goal of making 60% of all trips by either walking, biking or public transit. When they reach that goal, they will have gone a long way toward reducing the impact of transportation on climate change in that city.
Oak Park, like many municipalities around the world, has embraced Vision Zero — the idea that it is possible to have zero deaths and serious injuries due to car crashes. Getting to zero deaths won’t happen without systematically addressing every aspect of the road-based transportation system — especially places where walkers and bikers are close to cars.
Unfortunately, a comprehensive bike network can by stymied by a small group of vocal residents who feel their needs and wants should be prioritized over the needs and wants of the broader community. A network with gaps isn’t really a network and won’t get as much use as a comprehensive network where all users feel safe traveling with their chosen mode of transport everywhere in the village.
A network of safe bike streets in Oak Park can satisfy the growing demand for such streets, can be a key element in the village’s response to climate change and can help the village achieve its Vision Zero goals — but only if it is a fully implemented network.
Oak Park can be different than it is today. It’s time to adopt this new bike plan.
Karl Lauger
Oak Park