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Committee backs updated Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan calling for wide build-out of bike lanes, trail connections and 279 miles of sidewalks
Summary
The committee voted to recommend adoption of an updated Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan that recommends expanded on- and off-street bicycle facilities (71 miles on-street, 64 miles off-street), a key trail connection between Virgil Gilman and Waubonsee Creek trails, intersection treatments at 33 locations and 279 miles of missing sidewalks, following public engagement with 722 survey responses.
The Building, Zoning & Economic Development Committee on April 23 recommended adoption of the City of Aurora’s updated Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan, after a presentation from Alex Minella (Mayor’s Office of Economic Development) and consultant Eric Mueller (Epstein).
Mueller said the update responds to public engagement (722 survey responses) and recommends a mix of on- and off-street bicycle facilities and pedestrian improvements to fill gaps in Aurora’s network. The plan’s numerical recommendations include approximately 71 miles of on-street facilities (a package of marked routes, neighborhood greenways, bike lanes, buffered and protected lanes and shoulders) and 64 miles of off-street facilities; the consultant said the update identifies 279 miles of sidewalk that are missing citywide.
A highlighted project is a proposed connection between the Virgil Gilman Trail and the Waubonsee Creek Trail; consultants said land‑ownership constraints on the creek itself required a creative, mixed‑facility routing through neighborhoods and protected bicycle facilities to bridge the gap.
Committee members praised the plan but raised concerns about cost and implementation. Aldermen asked how the city would prioritize projects and fund costly elements such as sidewalks and pedestrian bridges; Mueller said the plan includes a funding table identifying potential grants and programs (for example, CMAQ, Safe Routes to School and Safe Streets for All) and staff said implementation would be multi‑departmental, with planning, public works and economic development coordinating.
The committee voted to advance the plan for adoption and the item will be considered by the full council at the scheduled Committee of the Whole meeting.
