Lake Calumet
Bike Network Study
Study Update
December 2023
The Lake Calumet Bicycle Network Study State of Biking Report is now available to view. Click the button below to download the report.
Welcome
Project Overview + Vision
Cook County wants to make biking, walking and using scooters safer and easier for those who live in parts of southern Cook County. Therefore, the Lake Calumet Bike Network Study will help bring improvements for those who use the aforementioned forms of “active transportation” in the area. This includes Chicago neighborhoods around Lake Calumet and the suburban communities of Burnham, Dolton, Calumet City, South Holland and Riverdale. This effort will evaluate, plan and identify opportunities to create a more connected bikeway network through enhancements to current and planned on and off-street facilities.
To overcome physical barriers encountered when walking, cycling and more, this study will focus on a series of achievable recommendations. Additional bike lanes, off-street trails and shared streets can be used to create a complete bike network that promotes safe, comfortable, accessible, connected and equitable opportunities to reach important destinations like train stations, schools and open spaces.
Connections all around (and through) Lake Calumet will be proposed to allow cyclists to travel safely between the many neighborhoods and suburban communities surrounding Lake Calumet. These connections aim to improve access to existing and planned regional bike trails that connect with other neighborhoods beyond the study area.
The study will prioritize improvements based on ease of construction, consistency with other planning efforts and availability of funds. It will propose an overall buildout of the complete network within the next 10 to 15 years.
Vision
To create more equitable and safer bicycling opportunities for all residents of the Lake Calumet area of southern Cook County.
Mission
Bring together the bike network, especially low stress facilities, through the Lake Calumet area to better connect people with destinations and recreational opportunities. Improve bike safety, mobility and access by reconnecting neighborhoods currently separated by industrial uses, highways, and rail yards. Connect the Lake Calumet area bike network to the rest of Cook County and the region, in alignment with the County Bike Plan.
Timeline
Follow along! Below you will find our project timeline which can be used to track the current status of the project.
This timeline will be updated regularly to reflect the most up-to-date information.
January - February 2023
Project Start + Public Engagement Begins| Establish study area and Public Engagement Plan, conduct data collection and coordinate with County and municipal partners
March - April 2023
Engagement Underway | Establish Stakeholder Committee, develop Open House Event calendar, begin public engagement process, socialize project
May - June 2023
Network Analysis + Public Engagement Continues | Understanding of current and future active Transportation conditions, State of Biking Report
July - September 2023
Strategy Develops + Public Engagement Continues | Incorporate public input, complete analysis findings, identify improvements, develop priority concept projects
October - December 2023
WE ARE HERE | Study Results + Public Engagement Continues | Incorporate public input, finalize improvement projects and design concepts, establish implementation plan, seek funding and future coordination
January - April 2024
Lake Calumet bike Network Study Finalize public input, refine improvement projects and design concepts, finalize implementation plan, funding, and future coordination
Keep in touch.
Here's our “virtual filing-cabinet!" You can learn about any upcoming meetings, access any meeting materials, find helpful resources or contact information to get in touch with us.
Past Event
Bike Tour
Saturday, September 23, 2023
10:00AM
Start + End: Chicago State University | Corner of 95th Street and King Drive, Chicago, IL 60628
Join the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) and Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) for an in-person guided bike tour in Lake Calumet!
DoTH and CDOT are conducting a study and would like to hear feedback from residents on ways to improve the biking and walking paths in the Hegewisch and East Side neighborhoods.
Do you need a bike? We will provide bikes for those who need one, please email: aoviedo@ruddresources.net.
Residents who are unable to attend the in-person bike tour can still participate by traveling the route on their own and providing feedback through the website: bit.ly/lakecalumetbikenetworkstudy
The ride is 7 miles long with some walking portions and will take approximately two hours to complete.
Bring: bike helmet, water and cell phone
Past Event
Bike Tour
Saturday, August 19, 2023
10:00AM
Meet at: Henry Booth House | 2725 E. 130th St., Chicago, IL 60633
End at: Calumet Park Beach | 9801 S. Avenue G, Chicago, IL 606017
The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) and Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) are hosting an in-person guided bike tour as part of the Lake Calumet Bike Network Study. DoTH and CDOT are interested in hearing feedback from residents on ways to improve walking and biking paths in the Hegewisch and East Side neighborhoods.
The ride is 7 miles long with some walking portions and will take approximately two hours to complete.
Bring: bike helmet, water and cell phone
Past Event
Lake Calumet Bike Network Study Virtual Open House
Thursday, June 20, 2023
6:00 p.m. | Virtual
Register to learn more about the Lake Calumet Bike Network Study from the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways. The virtual open house meeting is an opportunity for residents to discuss ways to create equitable and safer active transportation opportunities. If you were unable to attend our in-person open houses, make sure to tune in and give input on where future bike enhancements are needed.
Past Event
Lake Calumet Bike Network Study Open House
Thursday, June 15, 2023
5:30 to 7:00 p.m. | Pullman Library, 11001 S. Indiana Avenue
The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways is hosting an open house meeting for residents to discuss ways to create equitable and safer active transportation opportunities. Join us to learn more about the Lake Calumet Bike Network Study and give input on where future bike enhancements are needed.
Past Event
Lake Calumet Bike Network Study Open House
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
5:30 to 7:00 p.m. | Dolton Park District Ember Room, 14700 Evers St.
The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways is hosting an open house meeting for residents to discuss ways to create equitable and safer active transportation opportunities. Join us to learn more about the Lake Calumet Bike Network Study and give input on where future bike enhancements are needed.
Past Event
Burnham Greenway Connector Plan Meeting
Wednesday, April 20, 2023
5:30 to 7:00 p.m. | Rowan Park Field House, 11546 S. Avenue L
The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways and Chicago Department of Transportation are hosting an open house meeting for residents to discuss a potential bike connection on 118th Street to the Burnham Greenway. Join us to learn more about the larger Lake Calumet bike network study and give input on where future bike enhancements are needed.
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Contact Us
Get in touch with us! Send us a note by filling out this form and we will get back to you shortly. We look forward to hearing from you.
Contacts + Resources
Resource Documents
Please click below to access the Document Library to view supporting documents, relevant initiatives and other important summaries related to this study.
Media Inquiries
Brittany Hill | Public Information Officer
Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways
General Program Information
Benet Haller | Transit Manager
Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways
Outreach Coordinator
Alan Oviedo
