Plan will greatly improve protections for workers, patients, and residents in the IMD, a critical zone for the City of Chicago
CHICAGO — Today, the Illinois Medical District Commission (IMDC) announced its Bike and Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, a significant milestone in its commitment to improving safety for its 90,000 daily visitors whether they walk, bike, or roll. The plan, when implemented, will transform key intersections in the Illinois Medical District (IMD), prioritizing accessibility while reducing traffic accidents and fatalities.
“Ensuring the safety of IMD workers, patients, and residents is our top priority,” said IMDC CEO and Executive Director Allyson Hansen. “The IMD’s high concentration of critical healthcare infrastructure — as well as new residential housing, schools, retail, restaurant, and hospitality developments have added new urgency to improving our increasingly busy streets with a focus on pedestrian safety. A safer IMD will not only benefit our immediate community, but also extends to all Chicagoans who rely on our healthcare systems for care or employment, look to our nonprofits for aid, attend our educational institutions, or choose to call the IMD home. I look forward to working with our partners at the city, county, and state to implement the recommendations of the plan.”
This Bike and Pedestrian Safety Action Plan was led by Sam Schwartz, with support from R.M. Chin & Associates and Site Design Group and included IMD stakeholder and community engagement. Funding was provided by Invest in Cook, a grant program from the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH). The plan includes:
- Transformative projects;
- Recommendations for improved bike and pedestrian infrastructure;
- A toolbox of items already available to improve traffic safety;
- An existing condition report with past and pending infrastructure projects; and
- Traffic data and strategies for implementation.
“The Chicago Department of Transportation is committed to building a safer and more accessible Chicago for all modes of transportation, and we are pleased to have IMDC as a partner in this mission,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. “This plan complements the Chicago Cycling strategy and other citywide efforts to achieve a more equitable transportation system that connects people to the meaningful places in their lives. CDOT looks forward to working with IMDC and other stakeholders to create an environment that allows people of all ages and abilities to more comfortably access the many critical services and destinations within the IMD.”
“Cook County was pleased to partner with the Illinois Medical District Commission with a $200,000 grant from our Invest in Cook program,” said DoTH Superintendent Jennifer “Sis” Killen. “Providing improved mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists on a bustling medical campus ensures increased safe access for our residents.”
“We are proud to lend our assistance in helping the Illinois Medical District Commission develop its new plan,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Providing safe, accessible means for people to walk, bike and roll not only enhances mobility options around one of the state’s premiere institutions and promotes healthy lifestyles, but also strengthens the multimodal system of transportation across the city, region and state.”
“Developing a comprehensive bike and pedestrian safety plan was a crucial step for promoting walking, biking, public transportation in the IMD, and ensuring the safety of everyone on the road,” said Amy Rynell, Active Transportation Alliance Executive Director. “Well-conceived safety plans like this one protect lives and contribute to the overall quality of life and sustainability of a community. We were honored to be consulted as the plan was developed and are excited to kick off Chicago Bike Month in the IMD on May 13, 2024.”
Read or Download the Plan: https://imdbikeped.com/plan
