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Skokie Valley Trail closer to a reality
By Doug Gerleman
The north shore regional trail network could expand significantly.
The public will have the opportunity to view and discuss a new study
that finds converting the Union Pacific Railroad to a multi-use
trail is not only possible, it would provide nearby residents with
greater opportunities for active transportation and recreation.
This multi-use trail – the Skokie Valley Trail – would
significantly expand the regional trail network in the Skokie Valley
corridor. The Trail would join the Skokie Valley bikeway in Lake
County to the existing and planned trails in the villages of Skokie
and Lincolnwood, and the City of Chicago to the south.
This expanded network of bicycle routes, tails and greenways would
connect communities with each other and with major north shore destinations.
Residents of Northbrook, Glencoe, Northfield, Glenview and Wilmette
would have the bicycle facilities to travel throughout the North
Shore of Chicago, from IL-176 (Lake Forest) to Skokie and the City
of Chicago.
In addition to enjoying urban areas, residents and visitors would
also see more environmentally friendly access to and growth in natural
resources.
Existing river and forest greenways in the Skokie Valley corridor
would expand and connect, increasing areas for natural vegetation,
tree cover and wildlife migration. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation
conducted the study in 2007 and 2008. Since then, it has worked
with residents and municipalities in Northbrook, Northfield, Glenview
and Wilmette.
The study included evaluating the environmental and traffic conditions
and estimating the costs of converting the railroad to a trail.
The public review of the draft report in March will be an opportunity
for residents to voice any final concerns or ideas about the plan.
Contact Nick Jackson at nick@biketraffic.org for details on the
March 6 public meeting.
Doug Gerleman chairs the Northbrook Bicycle Task Force.
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