Main Street is a critical East-West corridor in the south of Evanston, but existing roadway conditions between the North Channel and Maple Avenue present serious safety concerns. Sidewalk and crosswalk gaps and the lack of infrastructure for cyclists is a missed opportunity to improve the connectivity of our community and the City of Evanston and region at large. Continuous sidewalks, improved pedestrian crossings, modernized intersections, and a protected bike facility would link Robert Crown Center, Washington Elementary School, the Channel Trail/ Sculpture Park, Skokie's bike lanes on Main St, existing bike lanes in Evanston on Dodge and Asbury, as well as the Main-Dempster Mile shopping district to the east.

Due to the current lack of safe infrastructure for cyclists, those on bike must either pedal along the sidewalk creating conflicts with pedestrians, or be forced into the street to share space with cars and trucks, creating traffic congestion and also the potential for life-threatening accidents. Sidewalk gaps exacerbate this problem and, combined with older or missing crosswalks, also act as a barrier for pedestrians and limit access entirely for disabled individuals. As a result, many of those who travel to destinations along Main St drive, due to the lack of safe alternatives. Improvements that better prioritize pedestrians and cyclists will improve safety, reduce vehicle congestion by allowing all residents to safely visit local destinations without a car, improve air quality, and help the city meet its CARP goals by decreasing carbon emissions from transportation.