FAQs
Why are Berkeley, Bellwood, Broadview, Hillside, and Westchester working together?
The Villages of Berkeley, Bellwood, Broadview, Hillside, and Westchester are neighboring municipalities that are partnering with CMAP to create the multijurisdictional West Cook Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The partnership between the five communities will help create a complete and connected network of bikeways and sidewalks that will allow residents to access key destinations throughout the West Cook region. By working together, the Villages can build a strong, collaborative foundation in which they can team up for future grant applications.
What is a bicycle and pedestrian plan?
A bicycle and pedestrian plan includes a vision and framework for improving and ensuring opportunities for bicycling and walking. A plan outlines strategic recommendations for infrastructure, policy, programs, and implementation processes per data analysis findings and public/stakeholder input.
Many communities throughout the region, including Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Bartlett, Streamwood, Villa Park, Wayne Township, Wheaton, and Winfield, have similar bicycle and pedestrian (or active transportation) plans.
Who is developing the bicycle and pedestrian plan?
With Sam Schwartz serving as the consultant team, the West Cook Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is being developed by the Villages of Berkeley, Bellwood, Broadview, Hillside, and Westchester in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). The development of the plan will also be guided the by project’s Advisory Committee, stakeholders, and community members!
Who is CMAP?
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is the regional planning agency for northeastern Illinois. CMAP serves the Chicago region's seven counties and 284 municipalities. The West Cook Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is funded through CMAP’s Technical Assistance program.
CMAP and its partners developed and are now implementing ON TO 2050, a new long-range plan to help the seven counties and 284 communities of northeastern Illinois implement strategies that address transportation, housing, economic development, open space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues. To learn more about CMAP, visit www.cmap.illinois.gov.
How is the plan funded?
The West Cook Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is funded through CMAP’s Technical Assistance program.
What happens after the plan?
After the plan is adopted, the Villages will work to implement the plan recommendations. The Villages will pursue federal and state grants and look for opportunities to incorporate the recommendations into planned projects, collaborating with partner agencies.
How can I be involved?
We believe community involvement and input is very important to the planning process!
You can share your input or experiences during in-person project events and online activities. During the planning process, the project team will organize events and activities to engage with and listen to residents, local organizations, and other stakeholders in the five West Cook communities.
Please subscribe to this project website by clicking “Stay Informed” at the top right of the homepage. You can also share your thoughts on the “Idea Board” at any time.