Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pedestrian Safety And Accessibility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press committee for 6-foot sidewalk passage and clearer sidewalk-cafe rules
Summary
Public commenters told the Administration and Public Works Committee that sidewalk obstructions make travel difficult for people using walkers and service animals and urged a code change requiring a six-foot clear passage and an update to sidewalk-cafe rules; the comments came during the Feb. 24 public-comment period.
Two public commenters told the Evanston Administration and Public Works Committee on Feb. 24 that city sidewalk code should be changed to improve pedestrian access and safety.
Alice Eeks, who identified herself as an author, described repeated difficulties navigating sidewalks with her service animal and said obstacles sometimes force her into the street. She urged a code change to require a six-foot clear passage on sidewalks, saying it would make routes safer for people with disabilities, people pushing strollers and others.
Eeks recounted navigating around curbside obstacles and said the current situation creates safety risks: she described a scenario where "we would have to step into the street which is just dangerous," and argued that adopting a six-foot minimum would reduce conflicts and hazards.
Another resident, speaking during the same public-comment period, said, "I just wanted to speak in support of adjusting the code for sidewalk cafes," adding that clearer rules and training for business owners would improve predictability and safety for pedestrians who use mobility aids.
Both comments were part of the public-comment period; the committee did not take formal action on code changes at the Feb. 24 meeting. Committee members heard the concerns but did not direct staff to draft an ordinance during this session.
