Western Springs Residents Cite Safety Concerns For Proposed Path

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Several Western Springs residents spoke out at the Feb. 26 board meeting against a proposed bike path along Wolf Road in Western Springs. The proposed bike path runs along Wolf Road, and two residents were concerned about safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

"We're concerned about the project because of the exposure of cyclists and pedestrians to the high speed traffic on Wolf Road," the resident said to the board. He added that he's concerned the village hasn't pursued all other alternatives for the path. He suggested taking the path north and then west into the forest preserve where there is a parking lot.

Village President Alice Gallagher said the forest preserve didn't want to connect the bike path to a parking lot, but wanted it to remain connected to just existing paths.

Public Works Director Matthew Supert added that the forest preserve didn't want to put pedestrians or cyclists near any vehicular traffic, including the parking lot.

Resident Jim Havlat also questioned the safety of the path.

"There are no curbs or barriers on Wolf Road," Havlat said, before suggesting the village explore adding a safety barrier to the path. The village responded that barriers and many details about the project haven't been finalized.

A village engineer also responded to safety concerns, stating that the bike path is near the right turn lane of Wolf Road, so cars should be decelerating, instead of having the path near a through-way.

Gallagher added that the project won't be taking place in 2018, but will move forward in 2019.

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