In September 2023, a wonderful Indian Head Park resident was hit while he was riding his bike along Wolf Road. This is just one example from many of the urgent need for safe cyclist and pedestrian access in our community. We, the concerned residents residing along the Wolf Road corridor, call upon local authorities to take immediate action to improve safety measures along Wolf Road.

Wolf Road is a heavily trafficked route that connects various neighborhoods and commercial areas within our community. However, the lack of proper infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists poses a significant risk to their safety. As responsible citizens, we believe it is crucial to address this issue promptly and prevent further accidents from occurring. The County is currently in a Phase 1 of a Wolf Road project study from Plainfield Road at the north end to 79th street at the south end, through the villages of Indian Head Park, Countryside, Burr Ridge and Willow Springs.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian fatalities accounted for 17% of all traffic-related deaths (https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/#!/ in Illinois in 2019.  This alarming statistic emphasizes the importance of implementing effective measures that prioritize pedestrian safety on busy roads like Wolf Road.

Furthermore, a study conducted by Walk Score ranked Indian Head Park as "car-dependent," indicating limited walkability options within our community. The Walk Score Methodology at walkscore.com measures the walkability of any address, Transit Score measures access to public transit, and Bike Score measures whether a location is good for biking. This classification further underscores the necessity for improved pedestrian access on major roads like Wolf Road.

The village of Indian Head Park has allocated (as of September 2023) $530,000 (with a goal of a $1,000,000 for the project) to improving the landscaping and hardscaping along Wolf Road to lessen the impact of the loss of the greenery, trees and landscaping along Wolf Road.

We propose several potential solutions that could enhance safety along this thoroughfare:

1. Sidewalk Installation: Constructing sidewalks and/or bicycle paths alongside both sides of Wolf Road will provide pedestrians with designated spaces away from vehicular traffic, reducing their exposure to potential accidents.

2. Crosswalks and Traffic Signals: Installing marked ADA accessible crosswalks at regular intervals with accompanying traffic signals will ensure safe passage across busy intersections for both pedestrians and cyclists.

3. Speed Limit Enforcement: Strict enforcement of speed limits through increased police presence or automated speed cameras can help deter reckless driving behavior and reduce the likelihood of accidents involving pedestrians.

By signing this petition, we urge local authorities including Indian Head Park Village Board members and relevant transportation departments to prioritize funding and resources towards implementing these necessary safety improvements on Wolf Road.

Together, we can make a difference and create a safer environment for all residents, pedestrians, and cyclists along the Wolf Road corridor. Let us come together as a community and demand the action and attention this issue deserves. Sign this petition to support Safe Accessible Routes for All (SARA) on Wolf Road today!