Western Springs is seeking input from residents and other interested parties about the best way to get kids in the village safely to and from school.
People have until Oct. 31 to complete a survey regarding the village’s Safe Routes to School Travel Plan.
The village was awarded $75,000 by the Illinois Department of Transportation, through the Safe Routes to School grant program, to develop its plan.
Epstein Global Consultants was contracted to work with the village to develop recommended improvements that enhance safety and availability of bike and pedestrian travel to Western Springs Elementary District 101, LaGrange Highlands Elementary District 106, Lyons Township High School District 204, and St. John of the Cross Parish School, said Selmin Cicek, Western Springs communications manager.
“The completed plan and any recommended projects will increase the village’s ability to obtain future grant funding for the construction of new pedestrian, bike, and traffic facilities,” she said. “This could include projects, such as new sidewalks, crosswalk improvements, bike lanes, intersection modifications and more.”
The plan is expected to be completed late this year or early in 2026, Cicek said.
“The plan was proposed to help prioritize future pedestrian/bike infrastructure projects, with a focus on safe transportation to area schools,” she said.
The development of the plan started in the spring of 2024 and includes two resident surveys, including the second one that is available through October 31; the collection of feedback at community events; walk audits with parents/teachers of area schools; a “Walk/Bike to School Day” event with McClure Middle School; and the creation of a steering committee, which meets regularly to discuss the plans and is made up of residents, businesses and other stakeholders.
“The completion of the plan will provide the village with a list of prioritized sidewalk, bike, and other pedestrian projects,” Cicek said. “The village is considering some preliminary project designs in 2026.”
The survey may be completed online at www.s.surveylegend.com/-OUGkU_Gg19baNa7OYpE.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.