Buckner Measure to Keep Pedestrians and Cyclists Safe Advances to House Floor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill – State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, is working to pass a measure that would require the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to construct various improvements to promote the safety of pedestrians and cyclists—including barrier-protected bike lanes, bus shelters, crosswalks and highway visibility signage.

“Pedestrians and cyclists deserve safe and accessible use of Illinois’ thoroughfares,” Buckner said. “Especially considering that many people who regularly get around walking or biking are kids, lack of safety infrastructure poses a major hazard that needs to be corrected immediately to prevent tragic accidents.”

Under Senate Bill 2014, IDOT will construct highway visibility signage, crosswalk improvements, curb bump-outs, barrier-protected bike lanes and bus shelters; among other things. The bill stipulates that, to limit congestion, these be done within 500 feet of maintenance work already underway. Beginning January 1, 2024, IDOT must provide semiannual reports to the General Assembly about the improvements that are underway.

This legislation passed the Senate with unanimous support and now moves from the House Transportation: Vehicles and Safety Committee to the House floor.

“In addition to the benefits to public safety and accessibility, these projects will create good-paying construction jobs for workers across Illinois,” Buckner said. “Putting Illinoisans to work, particularly during these economically-challenging times, will always be a priority for me.”