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2026 Bike Plan Update

What will a connected, comfortable bicycle infrastructure network in Evanston look like on the ground?

The answer to this question will be the focus of the next phase of the Bike Plan Update. As of early August, 2026, the City team is working on draft updated bike network maps and proposed infrastructure treatments for bike routes. We'll be releasing and seeking community feedback on the materials this fall. 

The proposed network and treatments will aim to respond to community directives to create a connected City-wide bike network that is safe, equitable, comfortable, and accessible, and that provides direct access to schools, is practical for riders of diverse ages, skill levels, and identities, and supports community wellness, interaction, and increased rates of everyday transportation cycling.

Stay tuned for additional information on this website and sign up for the monthly updates from the City of Evanston Transportation and Mobility Newsletter.



Background:

The City of Evanston is updating its Bicycle Plan. This page serves as the central location for background materials, reference documents, and information about upcoming community meetings related to the 2026 Bike Plan Update. The City of Evanston adopted its most recent Bike Plan Update in 2014. That plan identified gaps and barriers within the bicycle network where connections were incomplete, conditions were challenging, or infrastructure was lacking. These findings were based on technical analysis and extensive community engagement, including crash data, bicycle counts, and feedback from residents, businesses, and advocacy groups.
Over the past decade, Evanston has implemented many improvements from the 2014 Plan, including new protected and buffered bike lanes, corridor upgrades, and safety initiatives. However, not all of the identified gaps have been addressed, and conditions across the network continue to evolve.

About the Bike Plan Update:

The 2026 Bike Plan Update builds on Evanston’s adopted 2014 Bike Plan and reflects changes in bicycle infrastructure, safety data, and travel patterns since the last update.

The purpose of the Bike Plan is to:

  • Evaluate the existing bike network
  • Identify gaps, barriers, and safety concerns
  • Analyze crash and ridership data
  • Establish priorities for future bicycle improvements 
  • Update bicycle-related policies and programs

This is a long-range planning effort and is not a construction project.

Reference Materials/Provide Your Inputs:

Education & Policy:

Public Meetings/ Community Events:

Next Steps:

The City has completed all community engagement sessions as part of the Bike Plan Update, allowing residents to review existing bicycle conditions and provide input via comment forms and tablet-based surveys. The online community portal will remain live until 03/15 for those unable to participate in person. In parallel, City staff are preparing to analyze the collected data, including bicycle counts, safety and crash data, and network conditions. Public input and technical findings will be used to refine corridor evaluations, identify priorities, and shape draft recommendations as the Bike Plan Update progresses. Following the conclusion of this engagement period, staff will begin data analysis and prepare a draft outline of the bike plan report.

Project Manager: 

Sarah FioRito, Transportation and Mobility Coordinator
For questions, please call 847-448-4311