The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH), alongside local leaders and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), has announced a series of public engagement efforts for the Cook County Safety Action Plan. This plan is part of the broader Safe Travel for All initiative, aimed at enhancing roadway safety throughout the region.
The initial event will be a virtual open house on February 13, followed by an in-person meeting in Elgin on February 22 and a Chicago Mobility Collaborative meeting scheduled for March. The goal is to gather input from residents to help shape effective solutions for improving road safety, particularly for pedestrians, bicyclists, and individuals using mobility devices.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle emphasized the importance of community involvement: “I encourage everyone to participate in the safety action plan by taking the survey, adding feedback to the interactive map, and attending the upcoming meetings and open houses.” She noted that addressing roadway safety is a priority and that community feedback is vital in this process.
Traffic fatalities have risen over the past decade in Cook County. Data indicates that while crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists account for only 2% of all incidents, they represent 23% of traffic fatalities and serious injuries between 2018 and 2022. Additionally, Black residents are almost twice as likely to die in traffic crashes compared to other demographics.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the focus on vulnerable road users: “This safety action plan puts our most vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, and those with mobility challenges—at the center of the conversation.”
Upcoming events include:
- Virtual Meeting on February 13 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
- Community Open House on February 22 from 10 a.m. – noon at Centre of Elgin
- Chicago Mobility Collaborative meetings starting in March
Online participation options include an interactive map for identifying safety hotspots and an online survey available until February 28.
The project involves multiple partners such as Metra, Cook County Sheriff's Office, Cook County Health departments, and advocacy groups. Erin Aleman from CMAP stated: “Every person who shares their experiences driving, biking, and walking throughout the region is helping shape a safer future.”
For further details or to participate in these initiatives, residents can visit CMAP's project website.
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