Complete Streets Bill Passes--Challenges IDOT To Think Different

Illinois has joined the Complete Streets movement through the adoption of SB 314. The law (pasted in below) provides that "bicycle and pedestrian ways shall be given full consideration in the planning and development of transportation facilities, including the incorporation of such ways into State plans and programs." Within one mile of an urban area, "bicycle and pedestrian ways shall be established in conjunction with the construction, reconstruction, or other change of any State transportation facility."

The new law is an effort to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety and to increase the efficiency of the transportation system by better incorporating walking and biking with vehicular transport. It also challenges the deeply entrenched view in many transportation agencies that bicycles and pedestrians only get in the way of effective vehicular transportation, which they view as their only mission.

The devil thus will be in the details of implementing the new law. The law charges the Illinois Department of Transportation with developing design and construction standards for bicycle and pedestrian ways. IDOT, however, was presumably the moving force behind the Governor's amendatory veto of the bill. If IDOT does oppose the new law, will it be able to muster the creativity and open-mindedness to develop standards that will effectively integrate bicycles and pedestrians into our State transportation system?

Proponents of the complete streets bill such as the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation thus have their work cut out for them during IDOT's standards-setting process.

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(605 ILCS 5/4-220 new)
Sec. 4-220. Bicycle and pedestrian ways.

(a) Bicycle and pedestrian ways shall be given full
consideration in the planning and development of
transportation facilities, including the incorporation of such
ways into State plans and programs.

(b) In or within one mile of an urban area, bicycle and
pedestrian ways shall be established in conjunction with the
construction, reconstruction, or other change of any State
transportation facility except:
(1) in pavement resurfacing projects that do not widen
the existing traveled way or do not provide stabilized
shoulders; or
(2) where approved by the Secretary of Transportation
based upon documented safety issues, excessive cost or
absence of need.

(c) Bicycle and pedestrian ways may be included in pavement
resurfacing projects when local support is evident or bicycling
and walking accommodations can be added within the overall
scope of the original roadwork.

(d) The Department shall establish design and construction
standards for bicycle and pedestrian ways. Beginning July 1,
2007, this Section shall apply to planning and training
purposes only. Beginning July 1, 2008, this Section shall apply
to construction projects.