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11 Issue 3 |
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Bicycle commuters invade Chicagoland streets Sunday Parkways one step closer Chicago seniors' walking commutes get boost Walking commute unveils hidden treasures Store owner gets employees to bike Field Museum offers staff bike sharing Bicycle Commuter Stations around the region Top marks for new Chicagoland transit websites |
Chicago seniors’ walking commutes get boost The senior population is one of the fastest growing demographic groups in the country — and they largely depend on walking and transit to get around. Although they aren’t making regular trips to work or school, seniors’ commuting habits require safe and accessible routes. This means that appropriate infrastructure considerations to meet these individuals’ needs — sidewalk conditions, crossing time and transit access — must be part of transportation planning. Safe Routes for Seniors, a project the Chicago Department of Transportation has initiated, works with Chicago seniors to identify infrastructure considerations and trips that could be made by walking or walking and transit instead of driving. Safe Routes for Seniors will also address any barriers through engineering — like longer crossing times and pedestrian islands — and encouragement and education. The project aims to help seniors identify potential walking trips, including shopping, social activities, or appointments, without relying entirely on driving. This lets seniors maintain their independence and remain a part of their communities. Chicago’s Pedestrian Program looks forward to developing this project in the coming year. At the same time, all road users should be aware of seniors’
place in the commuting world — allowing extra time for a person
to cross the street and staying off the sidewalk when bicycling.
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