The Wilmette Park District is considering infrastructure changes to Gillson Park that are intended to improve walking and biking in the park. Park users have sought improved walking and biking in Gillson for years. Unfortunately, the Park District’s proposed plan does little to make walking and biking safer, more comfortable, or more attractive. 

Under their plan, bikers will still have to share the road and ride too close and right next to traffic in a slim 5’ bike lane. Sharing the road with cars and trucks can be intimidating for cyclists, especially those with young children, discouraging them from riding at all. Walking will also be less than ideal. Walkers will only have a narrow 5’ sidewalk—insufficient to pass, walk with dogs, or in groups. That is not good enough and not the type of biking and walking park users look forward to when they visit Gillson.

The Park District’s Plan

 

 

 

There is a better way, and the Park District needs to consider and approve it. An alternative path has been proposed to separate walkers and bikers completely from traffic on a path wide enough to accommodate both walkers and bikers. This path would put walkers and bikers on their own path, away from traffic and the danger and stress it creates. It makes good sense to separate walkers and bikers from cars and trucks. That way, they will be safer and more relaxed while enjoying the park and accessing the beach. We think that the separate path is an amenity that will attract more walkers and bikers to visit the park just to walk or bike.

Alternative Path

 

 

By creating a separate biking and walking trail in Gillson Park, we can improve the safety and enjoyment of the park for everyone. Families will be better able to ride their bikes without fear of cars, joggers to run without worrying about collisions, and dog walkers to stroll without concern for their pet's safety.

The Park District can and must do better than its proposed plan. We shouldn’t have to settle for “improvements” that don’t eliminate the dangers of traffic or make walking and biking more comfortable. Let’s make real, significant improvements that so that walking and biking in Gillson will be much more enjoyable and pleasant for everyone.

Please sign to ask the Wilmette Park District to approve the separate, alternative biking and walking path in Gillson Park. 

And please share this petition with your friends and neighbors.

Thank you,
Bike Walk Wilmette