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1. Why is the Village installing bike routes when we already have bike trails?

The bike trail is considered more of a recreational route and does not provide full access 365 days a year. Additionally, use of Village streets as bike routes provides a more direct route to schools, shopping, parks, and connections with regional bike routes.

2. What type of lane markings are being installed on the streets?

There are two types of lane markings being installed. Shared bike/parking lanes are installed on streets that have on-street parking. The bicyclist can ride within the lane when cars are not parked there. There are pavement markings outside the lane to make motorists aware that bicyclists will ride in the traffic lane when cars are parked. These types of shared lanes provide an increased perception of comfort by the cyclist, decrease the likelihood of the occasional parked car being hit by another car, and encourage cars to drive down the streets at lower speeds.

Bike lanes designate a portion of the roadway for bicycle use on sections of streets where parking is prohibited. There are pavement markings inside the lane to make motorists aware that vehicles are prohibited from using that lane. Bike lanes allow for more predictable movements by both cars and bikes, encourage better cyclist adherence to laws about riding on the right side of the road, increase bike usage while decreasing car/bike crash rates, and encourage cars to drive down the streets at lower speeds.

3. Why does the bike route suddenly end after a few blocks?

The Palatine Bicycle Transportation Plan consists of approximately 26 miles of bike routes. The Federal grant used on this phase covers approximately 12 miles of the plan. It is the full intent for the routes to eventually continue as planned.

Streets that will be getting new lane markings as part of this project include sections of Illinois Avenue, Sterling Avenue, Wood Street west of Cedar Street, Wilmette Avenue, Winston Drive, Anderson Drive, Carpenter Drive, Cunningham Drive, Old Hicks Road, Gardenia Lane, Baldwin Road, and Colfax Street.

The Village will monitor the routes and record feedback from residents of any problems encountered as a result of these new lane markings. We are open to making changes should any of the routes become problematic. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Elias Koutas, Deputy Director of the Public Works Department, at 847-705-5200.

Palatine Bicycle Transportation Plan (PDF)