Lincolnwood residents were recently left with the decision to install painted bike lanes, rather than the concrete-protected lanes initially proposed, on Pratt Avenue. Safety advocates had hoped for robust infrastructure to shield cyclists and e-scooter riders from reckless drivers. Instead, they reached a compromise, which many feel is a missed opportunity for real safety improvements.
With a rising number of bicycle accidents and fatalities in nearby neighborhoods, this project had the potential to address urgent safety needs. But in the end, concerns about convenience and aesthetics swayed the Lincolnwood board to choose paint-only lanes. This has left advocates and residents wondering if this decision was the right one for safer streets.
Why Did City Officials Choose Concrete-Protected Bike Lanes?
Concrete-protected bike lanes were initially proposed on Pratt Avenue as part of a broader plan to improve safety for cyclists and other vulnerable road users. Unlike simple painted lanes, these protected lanes use concrete curbs to create a buffer between bike traffic and car traffic.
By installing these barriers, Lincolnwood aimed to reduce the risk of accidents caused by distracted or aggressive driving—a problem that has become more pressing given recent traffic incidents in the area.
In nearby Morton Grove and Skokie, three cyclists lost their lives in July alone. Lincolnwood itself saw a hit-and-run that same month, which injured a bicyclist at a busy intersection. These incidents highlight the importance of effective safety measures, which led advocates to push for concrete-protected bike lanes on Pratt.
What Changed In The Plan For Pratt Ave?
Lincolnwood’s board recently voted to cancel the protected bike lane plan due to pushback from local residents. Concerns ranged from aesthetic issues to worries that the new curbs would make it harder to navigate driveways, remove snow, and collect garbage.
At the August meeting, some residents expressed strong opposition to the concrete barriers. One woman, who identified herself as an “avid cyclist,” argued that the barriers would ruin the look of the street, calling it a “huge mistake aesthetically.” This resistance led the board to reconsider the project, despite the safety benefits that concrete-protected lanes would offer.
The board’s decision to abandon concrete protection meant they risked losing millions in grant money from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, which had already allocated funds for the project.
What Were The Final Options for Pratt Avenue?
At an October 15 meeting, the Lincolnwood board reviewed three potential options for the Pratt bike lane project.
- Option #1: concrete-protected bike lanes: This layout would mirror the protected lanes on Howard Street in Niles, which feature curbs and flexible plastic posts to create a physical separation from car traffic.
- Option #2: paint-only bike lanes: This approach would allow the village to retain the grant money and proceed with the project without disrupting car traffic.
- Option #3: no bike lane installation: This choice would leave Pratt Avenue without any bike infrastructure.
Now that the board has approved the paint-only option, Lincolnwood’s public works department will submit Pre-Final Plans to the Illinois Department of Transportation by March 2025. The project will go to bid in September 2025, with resurfacing and striping expected in October 2026. While some safety advocates feel disappointed, others see this as a small step forward on Pratt Avenue.
Do Painted Bike Lanes Provide Enough Safety?
Painted bike lanes provide a visual reminder to drivers to watch for bicyclists. However, they lack the protective benefits of concrete barriers. Safety advocates argue that paint alone does little to prevent serious injuries or fatalities. Without a physical buffer, bicyclists remain exposed to potential collisions from distracted, intoxicated, or aggressive drivers.
A tragic example of the dangers of paint-only lanes occurred in October 2023 when ceramicist Donald Heggemann died in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood. Heggemann was riding in a painted bike lane on Damen Avenue when an allegedly intoxicated driver veered into the lane and struck him. Advocates say that if the lane had been protected, Heggemann might still be alive.
The Pratt Avenue decision has sparked a larger conversation about balancing convenience for drivers with safety for cyclists. Many advocates argue that safety should be a priority over minor inconveniences, especially given the rise in traffic incidents involving bicyclists. Protected bike lanes help reduce crash rates by creating clear divisions between cars and bicycles.
Keating Law Offices Fights for Injured Cyclists in Chicago
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Chicago, the legal team at Keating Law Offices can help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have successfully represented countless injured bicyclists throughout Illinois and the greater Chicago metro area.
We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients, including:
- $1,250,000 for the wrongful death of a suburban bicyclist hit by a vehicle.
- $1,000,000 for a bicyclist severely injured during a training ride.
- $975,000 (pre-trial settlement) for an injured bicyclist hit by a vehicle.
We’re passionate about protecting the rights of Chicago bicyclists, and we’re prepared to fight for the best possible outcome in your case while you focus on your recovery. Give us a call at 833-CALL-KLO or contact us online today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you rebuild your life after a bicycle accident.
**Keating Law Offices is a sponsor of Streetsblog Chicago
