Mike on the Move: Quigley Visits Chicago Bike Paths, Discusses Transportation Initiatives with CDOT and Forest Preserve
CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), joined Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Forest Preserves of Cook County for a tour of four local bike paths and a discussion on bike- and pedestrian-friendly transportation investments as part of his "Mike on the Move" initiative.
"Affordable, accessible, and innovative transportation options are essential in ensuring the continued growth of our city. That's why in addition to roads and bridges, we must also prioritize infrastructure projects that support bike and pedestrian travel," said Rep. Quigley. "From spurring economic growth and increasing connectedness to facilitating recreation and improving quality of life, these long-term, forward-thinking projects are producing a lasting impact on Chicago communities."
"CDOT greatly appreciates the support that Congressman Quigley has provided to secure the federal funding that will make it possible for the City of Chicago to create links between existing sections of the our riverfront trails along the North Branch of the Chicago River creating a continuous trail for bike riders and all users," CDOT Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld said. "These kind of urban trails create new transportation options and make it possible for more Chicagoans to enjoy the riverfront and lead a healthy lifestyle."
During his tour, Rep. Quigley visited several of Chicago's bike paths, including Ravenswood Manor Greenway, Irving Park Connector and Addison Riverview Bridge, and the Weber Spur Trail. The tour ended at the North Branch Trail, where the Congressman was able to view the recently completed stage 1 section and hear updates on the progress of the stage 2 project.
"The North Branch Trail compliments CDOT's Complete Streets initiative for on-street bikeways allowing the FPCC to eventually connect one of the Forest Preserves' trails to the City of Chicago's Lakefront Trail, which has been part of both agencies' long range plans to bring together two of the region's best used trails," said Arnold Randall, General Superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
The already popular North Branch Trail, now extends 1.8 miles south from Caldwell and Devon Avenues to Forest Glen. Construction on an additional 1.2 miles of paved trail is underway and will continue the extension of the North Branch bike trail, southeast to Gompers Park near the Forest Preserves' LaBaugh Woods and Irene C. Hernandez Picnic Grove at Foster Avenue. The southern extension of the North Branch Trail is one of several trail construction projects initiated to improve and enhance existing trails for better connectivity as well as well as create new trails which expose people to the abundant nature within Cook County.
Rep. Quigley's "Mike on the Move" initiative emphasizes how the federal government can support transportation and infrastructure investments. Previous "Mike on the Move" events highlighted rail infrastructure needs and expansions from Chicago Union Station and Amtrak, Chicago's efforts to continue its bike-friendly initiatives through Divvy bike-sharing system, and highway transportation and clean energy needs through UPS at their headquarters in Hodgkins, IL. In January, Rep. Quigley spoke on the House Floor about the need to prioritize infrastructure spending and pass a comprehensive package that addresses all aspects of our connected infrastructure system.