The City is in the process of updating its 2026 Bike Plan. The goal of the 2026 Bike Plan Update is to encourage and support the growth of bicycling and the use of other micromobility vehicles as active, affordable, environmentally sustainable, convenient, and fun daily modes of transportation.

2026 Bike Plan Update Goals: 

• Creating a plan for a cohesive citywide network of safe cycling facilities that benefit all road users and make bicycling and similar modes comfortable, safe, and convenient travel options for everyday people in Evanston.

• Evaluating the existing bike network and previous planned projects by analyzing ridership and safety data, identifying gaps and safety concerns in the network, and reviewing streets identified for improvement in the 2014 Bike Plan

• Establishing timelines, priorities, and cost estimates for future bicycle infrastructure improvements to ensure action
  
  
• Updating bicycle-related policies and programs to support improvements and bicycle usage

Background

Evanston’s 2026 Bike Plan Update is a comprehensive revision of Evanston’s 2014 Bike Plan Update. This process is driven by community feedback, as well as updated safety data and traffic patterns.

Over the past decade, Evanston has implemented improvements from the 2014 Plan, including new protected and buffered bike lanes, corridor upgrades, and safety initiatives. Nevertheless, not all of the identified gaps have been addressed, conditions across the network continue to change, and bicycle ridership trends continue to evolve.

Several City-adopted plans direct the City to support bicycle transportation. The Climate Action and Resilience Plan, for example, directs the City to reduce vehicle [car] miles traveled and “increase trips made by walking, bicycling, and transit”. The Comprehensive Plan guides the City to create a cycling network “to support safe, convenient, everyday local and regional travel by bike for people of all ages and abilities.” Overall, whether to “promote street-level vitality” as per the Evanston Thrives Retail District Action Plan or to “facilitate active transportation” as per the City’s Health and Human Services EPLAN; increased uptake of bicycle transportation bolsters diverse City of Evanston goals.

Where is the 2026 Bike Plan Update Today?

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 current phase of the Bike Plan Update. 

As of early August, 2026, City staff are developing draft updated bike network maps and proposed new infrastructure treatments for bike routes. We'll be releasing and seeking community feedback on the materials this fall. 

The proposed network maps and treatments respond directly to community priorities, envisioning a cohesive citywide bike network that is safe, equitable, comfortable, and accessible. This network will provide direct access to schools, accommodate riders of all ages, skill levels, and identities, and foster community connection, physical activity, and a meaningful shift toward everyday transportation cycling.

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

Rendering: NACTO

2026 Bike Plan Update Working Timeline

Steering Committee

The Bike Plan Update Steering Committee is composed of City Council Members, Staff, and representatives from community organizations who convene to guide the Bike Plan Update planning process.

Existing Bike Plan Map and City Plans

• Current Bicycle Network Map
• 2014-Bike Plan
• 2025-Comprehensive Plan 2045
• 2017 Complete Streets Policy
• 2009 Multi-Modal Transportation Plan
• 2018 Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP)
• 2026 Environmental Equity Investigation
• 2022 EPLAN (Evanston Process for the Local Assessment of Needs)
• 2022 Accessibility is Freedom-ADA Transition Plan
• 2023 Evanston Thrives Retail District Action Plan

Project and Reference Materials

• Phase 1 Community Engagement Synthesis
• Highlights from Phase 0 Data Collection
• Evanston Bicycle Friendly Community 2025 Report Card
• Bicycle Access Voucher Pilot Report
• 2025 Bike Plan Update - Council Presentation 
• Joint Ward Meeting Presentation
• Community Remarks Online Engagement Portal
• Joint 3rd/8th/9th Ward Bike Plan Update Meeting: 01/27/2025
• Joint 2nd/4th/5th Ward Bike Plan Update Meeting: 02/03/2025
• Evanston Township High School Student Input Meeting: 02/27/2025
• Joint 1st/6th/7th Ward Bike Plan Update Meeting: 03/03/2025 

Education & Policy

• Evanston Summer Cycling Education Series
• Ride Illinois Bike Safety Quiz
• Wheel and Sprocket-Rules of the Road Video
• E-Bike Smart Safety Video
• Illinois Rules of the Road 2025
• Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road 2024
  

Frequently Asked Questions