Du Quoin, Pinckneyville, and West FRANKFORT Bicycle Master Plans - Background
Background
Du Quoin, Pinckneyville, and West Frankfort are participating in developing a bicycle master plan that the Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission is facilitating on behalf of the cities. The purpose of the bicycle master plan will be to guide future bicycle improvements in each community with short, intermediate, and long-term implementation strategies. The bicycle master plan will include an inventory of existing bicycle facilities, an analysis of existing roadways capable of accommodating bicycle facilities, and recommendations for specific infrastructure projects.
While the plan will be for the jurisdictional boundaries of each city, recommended bike travel corridors will consider connectivity to existing and proposed regional bike trails.
The planning process started in Fall 2024 and will be completed by late Summer 2025. Community input will be an essential part of the bicycle master plan. An online community survey and two public open houses will allow the public to help shape the plan.
Each community will have its own Bicycle Master Plan document.
Common Questions and Answers about the Bicycle Master Plan
Why is having a Bicycle Master Plan Important?
A few benefits of bike facilities include increased bicycle safety, transportation choices, and the number of people biking. In addition, the plan can be an economic development tool. A bicycle friendly community can help attract businesses, tourists, and residents, who often prefer to live or visit where they can bike and walk.
Who is leading the Bicycle Master Plan?
The Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission is funding the plan. The cities will use the plan as a guide in implementing future bicycle facilities. The planning team is led by the i5Group, along with Oates Associates and Round Table Design. The planning team is working with city staff and residents in developing the plan.
How can I be involved in the process?
Great question! Public involvement is very important. You can attend a public open house in late fall and a second open house in early 2025. In addition, an online community survey will take place.
How will the Bicycle Master Plan be implemented?
The bicycle master plans will guide each city and other partners in improving bicycling in the city. The master plan does not commit a community to fund new projects. Instead, it is a guide to plan for the needs of bicyclists, especially when new streets are built, or current streets are improved. If new bicycle facilities are a priority for the community, the master plan will help prioritize projects and leverage support and funding options such as grants from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). This planning process will include the development of an ITEP (Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program) grant application to fund an initial implementation project.
I don’t bike (or seldom bike), why should I be interested in the Bicycle Master Plan?
Bicycling is an important component of quality of life. Businesses and residents often choose to locate in a city with a high quality of life. A bicycle friendly community can be a key strength in attracting and keeping residents, businesses, and tourists.
Are there examples from other nearby communities?
Yes! Several communities in Southern Illinois have developed bicycle master plans in recent years. Recent examples include: