Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Kankakee Considering Adding Dedicated Bike Routes

The Daily Journal is reporting that Kankakee County, Illinois has plans to change the way bicyclists get around town. The Kankakee City Council and the League of Illinois Bicyclists have agreed on a $10,090.00 contract that will develop a bikeway network in Kankakee. Ed Barsotti, League of Illinois Bicyclist's executive director, said that the plan should be adopted by the fall of 2014.

These trails will act as a way for serious bicyclists to enjoy a leisurely ride, but especially as an alternative way to commute to and from work. Ed Barsotti said, "This is about establishing a 'bikeway' network. This is about getting from 'any-point A' to 'any-point B.'" Bicyclists will be able to navigate through the city on their own turf without having to worry about the complications of major public roads. 

"I say if you give this a chance it can catch on. We need to make it so people are not tied to their cars," he said. "I know there will be those who say this a waste of money, but many people said the same thing about the Metro Bus. They're ready to break the million-ride mark,” Steve Linneman, Kankakee alderman and owner of the Bradley Bike Shop, said.

Choosing to commute via bicycle greatly benefits a person’s financial and physical health. According to the Huffington Post, the average American spends over $2,000 a year on gas for their car. Much of this money is wasted on the hours spent sitting in traffic each morning on their way to work.  By choosing to utilize the new bike trails being created, residents of Kankakee County could leave more money in their bank accounts and reach their destination in a shorter period of time, all while receiving the health benefits of riding.

The Illinois Bicycle Lawyers of Keating Law Offices highly encourage the residents of Kankakee County to utilize this new development. Not only are there the health benefits or exercise, but traffic planning that includes dedicated bike routes lead to safer bicycling as fewer bicycle accidents occur when there is a clearly delineated division between bicyclists and motorists. Dedicated Bicycling = Safe Bicycling.
Keating Law Offices is the premiere law firm handling bicycle-related cases in Illinois. The firm is committed to the representation of bicyclists who have been injured as a result of the negligence of others, as well as being proactive in an effort to keep the community safe for us all. If you have any questions regarding this post or an issue involving Illinois personal injury law, please contact Illinois Bicycle Attorney Mike Keating at (312) 208 - 7702 or MKeating@KeatingLegal.com 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All e-mails and phone calls are returned promptly. All initial consultations are confidential and free.