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.
