A two-way protected bike lane along Chicago Avenue may result in some inconvenience initially but will contribute to a safer and more prosperous corridor in the long run, the executive board of Downtown Evanston recently said in a statement.
The seven-member board approved language at its Dec. 12 meeting expressing support for the Chicago Avenue enhancement project that will extend protected bike lanes south from Davis Street to Howard Street, confirmed Andy Vick, executive director of the nonprofit group. Downtownevanston.org provides marketing, special event planning and other services to the downtown business district, which includes more than 250 businesses.
The Evanston Transit Alliance, which advocates for improved bicycle, pedestrian and public transit, had asked the group to take a position, according to Vick.
Community activist Meleika Gardner (pictured) with Councilmember Clare Kelly (1st Ward) has been working on a Circuit Breaker program since last year. “It’s powerful and it’s just a lifeline for working families and seniors who are being priced out of our beautiful Evanston,” she told members of the city’s Finance & Budget Committee at their Sept. 9 meeting.
