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Bicycle advisory board urges safety upgrades, flags e‑motor concerns during National Bike Month
Summary
Doug Johnson, chair of Aurora’s Bicycle, Pedestrian & Transit Advisory Board, briefed the council on safety upgrades, the board’s work on crossings and trail connections, and concerns about higher‑powered e‑motors; the board also highlighted a planned 2028 tandem rally expected to bring hundreds of cyclists and a local economic boost.
The City of Aurora marked National Bike Month during the May 5 Committee of the Whole meeting and received a presentation from the Bicycle, Pedestrian & Transit Advisory Board.
Doug Johnson, the board chair, described recent projects including reconfigurations at Prairie Path crossings, installation of a rapid‑flashing beacon at Farnsworth, integration of a student ambassador program, outreach such as a bike rodeo for kids, and planning priorities like a connection between the Waubonsee Lake Trail and the Virgil Gilman Trail. He also raised concerns about higher‑powered e‑motors (out‑of‑class e‑vehicles) that travel at speeds above the state’s three‑class e‑bike system and are used on roads and trails.
Johnson said the board has been in discussions with IDOT on state‑controlled intersections and identified pedestrian scramble and other design options as potential safety improvements; he asked for support from the council and cooperation with engineering staff and IDOT. He noted the Chicago Tandem Society plans a 2028 rally that could bring 500–600 cyclists and an estimated local revenue boost of about $500,000.
Mayor Lash and council members thanked the board for its work and raised follow‑up questions about IDOT coordination and funding for capital projects. Several aldermen offered willingness to help advance corridor improvements and to pursue intergovernmental cooperation.
Next steps: the board will return with more detailed project proposals and staff will continue coordination with IDOT and other agencies on high‑priority crossings.
