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New agreement between IDOT and CDOT will help improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists
A new agreement between the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will make it easier to implement traffic safety features on local roads and state routes in Chicago.
The memorandum of understanding includes:
- A list of traffic safety infrastructure that won’t be subject to comprehensive IDOT review before installation, allowing the city to design and self-certify projects such as curb cuts and other sidewalk improvements to make streets more walkable.
- Updated design standards to emphasize pedestrian safety at intersections. This will allow for additional safety features at certain state routes, such as curb extensions and bump-outs that shorten crossing distances for pedestrians.
- An IDOT-CDOT working group to enhance existing interagency collaboration.
The improved collaboration between CDOT and IDOT is intended to help address the alarming rise in traffic fatalities in our region, particularly among bicyclists and pedestrians.
"We are incredibly encouraged by CDOT and IDOT's commitment to drive meaningful and action-oriented strategies to improve safety," said Erin Aleman, executive director of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). "It is only through close collaboration and partnership as a region that we will succeed in making our streets safer, more accessible and equitable, and most importantly, in saving lives."
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New technical assistance projects to improve traffic safety, make travel more accessible, and more
More than 20 communities throughout northeastern Illinois will receive technical assistance from CMAP to improve traffic safety, make travel more accessible, and help them prosper in the years ahead.
CMAP will work with communities and organizations throughout northeastern Illinois’ seven counties to strengthen compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), plan for improvements that protect bicyclists and pedestrians, better prepare for grant opportunities, and address long-term planning needs.
The communities and organizations in the 2023 technical assistance group includes:
- Alsip
- Berwyn
- Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community
- Chicago Heights
- Diamond
- Franklin Park
- Ford Heights
- Greater Ashburn Development Association
- Hickory Hills
- La Grange Park
- Lake Villa
- Lansing
- Lemont
- Lincolnwood
- Marengo
- Maple Park
- Midlothian
- Newark
- Richmond
- South Holland
- Summit
- Wilmington
- Western Cook County (Bellwood, Berkeley, Broadview, Hillside, and Westchester)
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New year brings new traffic laws
The list of new Illinois laws that went into effect January 1 includes a number of driving-related changes:
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New penalty for reckless driving near schools: The law adds community service as a penalty for failing to stop for a school bus or speeding more than 20 miles per hour in a school zone.
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Enhanced teen driving training: Course content for drivers younger than 18 in Illinois will now be based on the national Novice Teen Driver Education and Training Administrative Standards.
The City of Chicago also recently passed an enhanced bike lane law:
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Increased fines, enforcement of bike lane obstruction: The ordinance increases the fine for blocking a bike lane from $150 to $250, makes it easier to tow vehicles, and requires signs to warn bikers of closed lanes.
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Apply now: RAISE grants can help communities improve transportation safety
State and local partners, including municipalities and counties, can apply for infrastructure grants available through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program.
The popular RAISE program helps communities carry out freight and passenger transportation improvements with significant local or regional impact.
As authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the RAISE program prioritizes projects that can address safety, environmental sustainability, mobility and community connectivity, and quality of life. The USDOT is accepting applications through Tuesday, February 28.
CMAP has been sharing notices about IIJA grants since the law took effect in fall 2021 as part of the agency’s effort to build regional consensus and awareness around the infrastructure law’s historic funding opportunities.
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Apply now: Funding available for traffic safety programs
The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking grant applications for projects to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on roadways. Six safety funding opportunities are now available:
See each opportunity page for details, including example projects. Eligible applicants include municipalities, local government agencies, nonprofits, schools, and other organizations. All applications are due Friday, February 17, at 4:00 p.m.
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Federal transportation program expands to focus on safety
The Federal Highway Administration is expanding the Every Day Counts program to more modes of transportation and emphasizing traffic safety.
Every Day Counts identifies and rapidly deploys proven, yet underutilized, innovations to deliver projects more efficiently and improve the transportation system. The latest round of innovations includes safety-related projects, such as an initiative to improve nighttime visibility for all users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders.
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Share traffic safety reminders during Super Bowl and other events
Help raise safety awareness in your community by sharing ready-made messages on social media and other channels.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has created toolkits with graphics, sample social media posts, and other resources for communities, organizations, and advocates to share:
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