|
Region's transportation agencies work together to improve traffic safety
CMAP, IDOT, and counties jointly apply for new federal safety grant
Traffic deaths in northeastern Illinois have sharply increased since COVID-19. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is committed to addressing this alarming crisis.
In partnership with six of the region’s counties and the Illinois Department of Transportation, we recently submitted a major joint application for a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant — a new competitive program created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
We proposed a comprehensive, regional program called Safe Travel for All Roadmap (STAR). STAR will provide technical assistance to our county partners to develop county-wide safety action plans. Each plan will leverage CMAP’s best practice research and analysis, data resources, and technical expertise. These plans will then enable our counties (and their municipalities) to meet eligibility requirements to apply for federal implementation grants.
CMAP is seeking close to $5 million in the grant application to develop these plans and improve travel safety across the region. We look forward to sharing more in the coming months, including a new resource page for communities. Contact safety@cmap.illinois.gov with any questions.
|
|
 Pictured left to right: Jesse Elam, Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways; Zair Menjivar, youth organizer; Jeremy Cuebas, Northwest Center; Victoria Barrett, CMAP; and Alex Ensign, CMAP
|
|
Watch: How to design safe and complete streets for all
Decades of racial inequity and discrimination in planning policy and design have led to inequities in streetscapes that cause safety issues.
During Cook County's Racial Equity Week last month, CMAP hosted a panel discussion on safe and complete streets. Panelists shared how we can design safer streets for all and create more vibrant, walkable communities with an equity lens.
|
|
Podcast: Improving traffic and pedestrian safety
Victoria Barrett, transportation planner at CMAP, recently joined the GovLove podcast to talk about the national traffic safety crisis and how to improve pedestrian safety. She shared how roadway design, technology, and other approaches can make travel safer for everyone.
|
|
Help raise safety awareness by sharing these ready-made messages
National Pedestrian Safety Month in October celebrates the right of everyone to walk or roll safely and reminds drivers of their responsibility to stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.
In recognition of National Pedestrian Safety Month, CMAP — in close partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation and other transportation partners — is bringing attention to this issue and the collective work being done to address it.
We've created a series of safety messages for social media. Please download this shareable content and post to your social media, newsletters, and other channels to help create a culture of safety in your community.
|
|
U.S. Department of Transportation releases new guidance on safety assessments, public engagement, and more
States urged to work with local leaders on safety
The Federal Highway Administration encouraged states to work with local leaders and advocacy organizations to identify the most dangerous roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable users and develop plans to improve safety.
The guidance provides additional clarity for states on developing Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessments. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requires all states to submit these assessments by November 2023.
New guide on public engagement for transportation projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) released a first-of-its-kind guide on conducting meaningful public engagement to better serve communities and deliver transportation projects faster. The guide provides best practices and clear examples of meaningful public involvement.
Online tool to track progress on safety
USDOT released an update on its National Roadway Safety Strategy, a roadmap for addressing the national traffic safety crisis, and shared a new dashboard that allows everyone to track the department's progress on safety commitments.
New guide on safe access to transit for pedestrians and bicyclists
"Improving Safety for Pedestrians and Bicyclists Accessing Transit" is a new guide for transit agencies, state and local governments, and regional organizations. The document includes tools for identifying safety issues, strategies to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety, and more.
|
|
|
|
