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Urbana BPAC hears project updates, staffing change and outreach plans; Park District reports $600,000 King Park grant

City of Urbana Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission · February 18, 2026

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Summary

City staff gave updates on shared-use paths, Lincoln Avenue SS4A demonstration, Springfield resurfacing with two added crosswalks, traffic-signal audio upgrades, a staff resignation, and outreach plans for events including a Teen Hangout Zone bike rodeo and an Earth Day activity.

Carmen Franks, assistant city engineer and BPAC staff liaison, updated commissioners on several in-progress and upcoming projects and city staffing.

Project updates included the Florida Avenue shared-use path (design ~90% complete and coordinated with the larger street project), Baker's Lane construction paused for winter, a Country Club Road/Perkins Road project to widen sidewalks into a shared-use path with construction planned in 2026, and a Lincoln Avenue demonstration project (funded in part by a Safe Streets for All grant) that will go to bid March 5 with a demonstration period through June 30. The Springfield Avenue resurfacing project went to bid with two new crosswalks added at Harvey and Gregory after pedestrian counts validated the need.

Staff also reported bids were opened for a traffic-signal audio device upgrade at 14 intersections and other sidewalk TIF and equity-related improvements. Carmen confirmed that long-time staffer John Zeman has submitted his resignation and will leave March 6; responsibilities will be divided among existing engineering staff until leadership defines a transition plan.

On outreach, the public outreach and advocacy working group described a planned Teen Hangout Zone event on April 24 at Phillips Recreation Center with a bike rodeo, helmet checks, bike registration and partner groups including MTD, Safe Routes to School, Campus Bike Center and the Urbana Park District. The Park District announced It had been awarded $600,000 for King Park improvements and is seeking additional DCEO grants for Weaver and Prairie Park totaling about $4 million.

The commission discussed future topics including adding MTD as an official partner on BPAC (a reserved seat), the state's ebike/escooter guidance initiative and potential bylaw amendments to formalize partner representation.

Next steps: staff will continue project design and bidding timelines, handle the internal staffing transition, and help coordinate outreach events and volunteer recruitment.