The League of Illinois Bicyclists is leading an effort to create a free bicycle map for the Rockford urban area. On January 18 (5-6pm, Rockford City Hall), they are conducting a public meeting to gather input for the map. Cyclists will be asked to mark up maps showing: 1) their preferred routes for biking around town; and 2) places where road striping or spot improvements could improve conditions for bikes. From this input, the LIB will produce a map in time for spring.

Here is the news release:

Rockford, IL – Rockford area residents are invited to offer their suggestions on identifying the best routes for bicycling and suggesting roads that could be improved to make cycling safer.

The public meeting will be held from 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, January 18, in the second floor council chambers at Rockford City Hall, 425 E. State St.

Ed Barsotti, executive director of the League of Illinois Bicyclists and meeting moderator, said the league will use the information from the meeting to develop 11×17-inch maps that will be available for free to bicyclists through bicycle shops and clubs, libraries, park districts and other outlets. The maps will show preferred roadways for bicyclists, street names, trails and some major destinations on one side. The other side will have safety information, adverstisements and applications for the league and local bicycle clubs.”

“Rockford does not have a comprehensive map showing the best ways for biking around town,” Barsotti said. “The League of Illinois Bicyclists, working with local agencies, bicyclists, bicycling clubs and shops wants to fill that gap and promote bicycling for fun, exercise and commuting.”

Barsotti said, “Members of the public are invited to participate in the development of the map and to share their experiences and knowledge of the best and safest bicycling routes in the Rockford area. With the help of the public, the league and the Blackhawk Bicycle and Ski Club will produce a Rockford map that will be comprehensive, accurate and useful for cyclist of all ages and abilities.”

Mayor Lawrence J. Morrissey and representatives of the Blackhawk Bicycle and Ski Club have indicated their plans to participate in the meeting.

The League of Illinois Bicyclists is a not-for-profit bicycle advocacy group.

For more info, contact

Ed Barsotti
Executive Director
League of Illinois Bicyclists
2550 Cheshire Dr.
Aurora, IL 60504
630-978-0583
ed@bikelib.org
www.bikelib.org