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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-271 Resolution No. 06-271 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH TRANSYSTEMS CORPORATION (Bicycle Route Master Plan) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN,ILLINOIS,that Olufemi Folarin,City Manager,and Dolonna Mecum,City Clerk,be and are hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement on behalf of the City of Elgin with TranSystems Corporation for engineering services for development of a Bicycle Route Master Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference. s/Ed Schock Ed Schock, Mayor Presented: November 8, 2006 Adopted: November 8, 2006 Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 7 Nays: 0 Attest: s/Dolonna Mecum Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this net day of /Uo(/Er t eE7 2006, by and between the CITY OF ELGIN, an Illinois municipal corporation (hereinafter referred to as "CITY") and TranSystems Corporation, a Missouri corporation (hereinafter referred to as "ENGINEER") . WHEREAS, the CITY desires to engage the ENGINEER to furnish certain professional services in connection with the City. of Elgin Bicycle Route Master Plan (hereinafter referred to as the PROJECT) . AND WHEREAS, the ENGINEER represents that he is in compliance with Illinois Statutes relating to professional registration of individuals and has the necessary expertise and experience to furnish such services upon the terms and conditions set forth herein below. NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual undertaking as contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the CITY does hereby retain the ENGINEER to act for and represent the CITY in the matters involved in the PROJECT as described herein, subject to the following terms and conditions and stipulations, to-wit: 1. SCOPE OF SERVICES A. All work hereunder shall be performed under the direction of the Director of Public Works of the CITY, hereinafter referred to as the "DIRECTOR". B. The ENGINEER shall provide the planning and design engineering services for the CITY as described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto entitled "Scope of Services " a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. 2 . SCHEDULE A. Engineer shall comply with the detailed project schedule which is attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "B". Engineer shall record progress pursuant to the project schedule and shall submit a report of such progress as a component of the status report described below. B. The Engineer will submit to the Director monthly a Status Report keyed to the Project Schedule. A brief narrative will be provided identifying progress, findings and outstanding issues. 3 . WORK PRODUCTS All work products prepared by the ENGINEER pursuant hereto including, but not limited to, applications, reports, designs, calculations, work drawings, studies, photographs, models and recommendations shall be the property of the CITY and shall be delivered to the CITY upon request of the DIRECTOR provided, however, that the ENGINEER may retain copies of such work products for its records. Such work products are not intended or represented to be suitable for reuse bythe CITY on any extension to the PROJECT or on any other project, and such reuse shall be at the sole risk of the CITY without liability or legal exposure to the ENGINEER. 4 . COMPENSATION TO THE ENGINEER (Not to Exceed Method) A. For services provided the ENGINEER shall be paid at the rate of 2 . 9 times the direct hourly rate of personnel employed on this PROJECT, with the total fee not to exceed $97, 146. 69 regardless of the actual costs incurred by the ENGINEER unless substantial modifications to the scope of the work are authorized in writing by the CITY. B. For outside services provided by other firms or subconsultants, the CITY shall pay the ENGINEER the invoiced fee to the ENGINEER, plus N/A . Any such invoiced fees to ENGINEER shall be included with and construed as part of the above-referenced amount of $97, 146. 69 C. A cost estimate of consultant services is attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "C" . Such consultant services fees shall be included with and construed as part of the above-referenced "not-to- exceed" amount of $97, 146. 69 D. The CITY may make periodic payments to the ENGINEER based upon actual progress within 30 days after receipt and approval of invoice. Said periodic payments to the ENGINEER shall not exceed the amounts shown in the following schedule, and full payments for each task shall not be made until the task is completed and accepted by the DIRECTOR. 5. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED - 2 - 6 . TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the CITY may terminate this Agreement at any time upon fifteen (15) days prior written notice to the ENGINEER. 7. TERM This Agreement shall have a two year term commencing from the entry into and execution of this Agreement. 8 . INTENTIONALLY OMITTED 9 . BREACH OF CONTRACT If either party violates or breaches any term of this Agreement, such violation or breach shall be deemed to constitute a default, and the other party has the right to seek such administrative, contractual or legal remedies as may be suitable to the violation or breach; and, in addition, if either party, by reason of any default, fails within fifteen (15) days after notice thereof by the other party to comply with the conditions of the Agreement, the other party may terminate this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, or anything else to the contrary in this Agreement, no action shall be commenced by the ENGINEER against the CITY for monetary damages. 10 . INDEMNIFICATION To the fullest extent permitted by law, ENGINEER agrees to and shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the CITY, its officers, employees, agents, boards and commissions from and against any and all claims, suits, judgments, costs, attorneys fees, damages or other relief, including but not limited to workers compensation claims, in any way resulting from or arising out of negligent actions or omissions of the ENGINEER in connection herewith, including negligence or omissions of employees or agents of the ENGINEER arising out of the performance of this Agreement. In the event of any action against the CITY, its officers, employees, agents, boards or commissions, covered by the foregoing duty to indemnify, defend and hold harmless such action shall be defended by legal counsel of the CITY' s choosing. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive any completion, expiration and/or termination of this agreement. 11. NO PERSONAL LIABILITY No official, director, officer, agent or employee of the CITY shall be charged personally or held contractually liable under any term or provision of this Agreement or because of their execution, approval or attempted execution of this Agreement. - 3 - 12 . INSURANCE A. Comprehensive Liability. The ENGINEER shall provide, pay for and maintain in effect, during the term of this Agreement, a policy of comprehensive general liability insurance with limits of at least $1, 000, 000 aggregate for bodily injury and $1, 000, 000 aggregate for property damage. The ENGINEER shall deliver to the DIRECTOR a Certification of Insurance naming the CITY as additional insured. The policy shall not be modified or terminated without thirty (30) days prior written notice to the DIRECTOR. The Certificate of Insurance which shall include Contractual obligation assumed by the ENGINEER under Article 10 entitled "Indemnification" shall be provided. This insurance shall apply as primary insurance with respect to any other insurance or self-insurance programs afforded to the CITY. There shall be no endorsement or modification of this insurance to make it excess over other available insurance, alternatively, if the insurance states that it is excess or prorated, it shall be endorsed to be primary with respect to the CITY. B. Comprehensive Automobile Liability. Comprehensive Automobile Liability Insurance covering all owned, non- owned and hired motor vehicles with limits of not less than $500, 000 per occurrence for damage to property. C. Combined Single Limit Policy. The requirements for insurance coverage for the general liability and auto exposures may be met with a combined single limit of $1, 000, 000 per occurrence subject to a $1, 000, 000 aggregate. D. Professional Liability. The ENGINEER shall carry Engineers Professional Liability Insurance Covering claims resulting from error, omissions or negligent acts with a combined single limit of not less than $1, 000, 000 per occurrence. A Certificate of Insurance shall be submitted to the DIRECTOR as evidence of insurance protection. The policy shall not be modified or terminated without thirty (30) days prior written notice to the DIRECTOR. 13 . INTENTIONALLY OMITTED - 4 - 14 . NONDISCRIMINATION In all hiring or employment made possible or resulting from this Agreement, there shall be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, marital status, of the presence of any sensory, mental or physical handicap, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification, and this requirement shall apply to, but not be limited to, the following: employment advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship. No person shall be denied or subjected to discrimination in receipt of the benefit of any services or activities made possible by or resulting from this Agreement on the grounds of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, age except minimum age and retirement provisions, marital status or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical handicap. Any violation of this provision shall be considered a violation of a material provision of this Agreement and shall be grounds for cancellation, termination or suspension, in whole or in part, of the Agreement by the CITY. 15 . ASSIGNMENT AND SUCCESSORS This Agreement and each and every portion thereof shall be binding upon the successors and the assigns of the parties hereto; provided, however, that no assignment shall be made without the prior written consent of the CITY. 16 . DELEGATIONS AND SUBCONTRACTORS Any assignment, delegation or subcontracting shall be subject to all the terms, conditions and other provisions of this Agreement and the ENGINEER shall remain liable to the CITY with respect to each and every item, condition and other provision hereof to the same extent that the ENGINEER would have been obligated if it had done the work itself and no assignment, delegation or subcontract had been made. Any proposed subcontractor shall require the CITY' s advanced written approval. 17 . NO CO-PARTNERSHIP OR AGENCY This agreement shall not be construed so as to create a partnership, joint venture, employment or other agency relationship between the parties hereto. 18 . SEVERABILITY The parties intend and agreed that, if any paragraph, sub- paragraph, phrase, clause or other provision of this Agreement, or any portion thereof, shall be held to be void or - 5 - • otherwise unenforceable, all other portions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect . 19. HEADINGS The headings of the several paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted only as a matter of convenience and for reference and in no way are they intended to define, limit or describe the scope of intent of any provision of this Agreement, nor shall they be construed to affect in any manner the terms and provisions hereof or the interpretation or construction thereof. 20 . MODIFICATION OR AMENDMENT This Agreement and its attachments constitutes the entire Agreement of the parties on the subject matter hereof and may not be changed, modified, discharged or extended except by written amendment duly executed by the parties. Each party agrees that no representations or warranties shall be binding upon the other party unless expressed in writing herein or in a duly executed amendment hereof, or change order as herein provided. 21 . APPLICABLE LAW This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made in, and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois . Venue for the resolution of any disputes or the enforcement of any rights pursuant to this agreement shall be in the Circuit Court of Kane County, Illinois . 22 . NEWS RELEASES The ENGINEER may not issue any news releases without prior approval from the DIRECTOR, nor will the ENGINEER make public proposals developed under this Agreement without prior written approval from the DIRECTOR prior to said documentation becoming matters of public record. 23 . COOPERATION WITH OTHER CONSULTANTS The ENGINEER shall cooperate with any other consultants in the CITY' s employ or any work associated with the PROJECT. 24 . INTERFERENCE WITH PUBLIC CONTRACTING The ENGINEER certifies hereby that it is not barred from bidding on this contract as a result of a violation of 720 ILCS 5/33E et seq. or any similar state or federal statute regarding bid rigging. - 6 - 25. SEXUAL HARASSMENT As a condition of this contract, the ENGINEER shall have written sexual harassment policies that include, at a minimum, the following information: A. the illegality of sexual harassment; B. the definition of sexual harassment under state law; C. a description of sexual harassment, utilizing examples; D. the vendor' s internal complaint process including penalties; E. the legal recourse, investigative and complaint process available through the Illinois Department of Human Rights, and the Illinois Human Rights Commission; F. directions on how to contact the department and commission; G. protection against retaliation as provided by Section 6- 101 of the Human Rights Act . A copy of the policies must be provided to the Department of Human Rights upon request 775 ILCS 5/2-105 . 26. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS All recommendations and other communications by the ENGINEER to the DIRECTOR and to other participants which may affect cost or time of completion, shall be made or confirmed in writing. The DIRECTOR may also require other recommendations and communications by the ENGINEER be made or confirmed in writing. - 7 - 27 . NOTICES All notices, reports and documents required under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be mailed by First Class Mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows : A. As to CITY: JOHN LOETE, P.E. Director of Public Works City of Elgin 150 Dexter Court Elgin, Illinois 60120-5555 B. As to ENGINEER: BRIAN L. FAIRWOOD Assistant Vice-President TranSystems Corporation 1051 Perimeter Drive, Suite 1025 Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have placed their hands and seals upon and executed this Agreement in triplicate as though each copy hereof was an original and that there are no other oral agreements that have not been reduced to writing in this statement. FOR THE CITY: FOR THE ENGINEER: By _ By City a..ftger • Attest: Ci y Clerk F:\Legal Dept\Agreement\Engineering Agreement-TranSystems.doc - 8 - Exhibit A— Scope of Services We offer the following Scope of Engineering Services Task 3: Alternatives Analysis for the feasibility study based on our understanding of this project and our recent experience on similar a. Analyze available City rights-of-way,other public projects. right-of-way and properties,utility easements,park and forest preserve lands,open/undeveloped properties,and regional/local connectivity for a safe Task 1: Analysis of Existing and Proposed Bikeways shared use system. a. Preliminary conference with City to discuss b. Identify feasible typical facility cross sections goals,objectives, and schedule for the project. which could be used within a corridor including the following: b. Analyze existing and proposed off-road trails and other designated bikeway facilities in the study • Off-road,two-way shared use facility corridor that could be components of the city-wide (minimum 10 ft.wide) plan. • On-road one-way bicycle lanes • On-street signed bicycle routes c. Obtain existing right-of-way data, land use, park lands, bikeway plans, aerial mapping, c. Review input from previous advocacy and comprehensive plan,vehicular traffic and utility support group meetings data. Aerial mapping (1"=100')will be provided by the City in ArcView GIS format. The analysis will be based on the AASHTO"Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities"criteria such that d. Obtain the following items from the City: the bikeway design will meet federal,state,county,and city requirements. 1. Previous bikeway/pedestrian studies and/or maps Task 4: Site Visit and Review 2. Various Roadway and Bridge Plans(As Needed) a. Perform field site visit to identify facility alternatives, 3. City maps and utility atlases need for right-of-way or easements,bridges,and 4. Ridership and user surveys(If Available) traffic signals(or other traffic control devices). 5. Results from"Popcom&Peddling" meetings b. Perform photo survey of facility alternatives. e. Obtain FIS study,Wetland map,and FEMA maps c. Perform field site visit to verify facility alternatives. for corridors to identify environmental impacts. d. Perform limited field measurements to verify roadway widths and dimensions. A topographic Task 2: Identification of Potential Facility Destinations survey will not be conducted at this time. and Linkages a. Identify potential facility destination points including Task 5: Analysis of Implementation Constraints and forest preserves,existing and proposed local Impediments parks,transit stations, businesses,schools,public facilities,and points of interest within corridor area. a. Analyze the impacts and constructability of each route with respect to right-of-way and easement b. Analyze bicycle parking at potential facility constraints, utility relocation,grading, destination points and provide recommendations environmental concerns and drainage,traffic for bicycle parking regulations. control,and the need for retaining structures and bridges. Provide a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed routes. Bicycle Route Master Plan A-1 City of Elgin ran Systems • Exhibit A- Scope of Services b. Analyze accident data/history and recommend Task 7: Public Review and Input countermeasures a. Attend and present at one(1)meeting with Forest c. Identify preliminary requirements through a Preserve District and Kane County. The meeting qualitative review for bridges over roadways, will be to present overall plan. railroads,and waterways as well as floodway, floodplain and stormwater detention impacts. b. Attend and present at one(1)public meeting with citizens,advocacy and bicycle support groups. d. Identify the preliminary need for any right-of-way or The meeting will be to present overall plan. easements required for construction or access. c. Attend and present at one(1)meeting with City Council. The meeting will be to present overall e. Prepare an alternative system plan at 1"=200' plan and to obtain City Council approval. scale on the City aerial to present existing and planned facilities,origination/destination areas, d. Prepare exhibits and presentation materials for the right-of-way needs,structure type,and impacts. project meeting,City Council meeting,and public meeting. Exhibits will include a System Plan f. Identify project costs for each facility corridor (1"=1000')featuring facility alternatives and final including the cost for construction,engineering, routes. Additionally, provide the meeting and right-of-way. Identify possible funding sources publications, notices, brochures and comment for each of the corridors including: forms. 1. Kane County Division of Transportation e. Prepare meeting summaries for the project meeting,City Council meeting,and public meeting. 2. Kane County Forest Preserve District 3. Federal funding(SAFETEA-LU)including: Task 8: Prepare Draft and Final Report • Surface Transportation Program(KCCOM) a. Prepare a draft Bicycle/Pedestrian Facility Master • Transportation Control Measures(KCCOM) Plan and Executive Summary of the findings of the • Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Analysis of Implementation Constraints and Program(CMAP) Impediments task. The plan will include • Illinois Transportation Enhancement recommendations and alternatives for each Program(IDOT) corridor,preliminary project costs,impacts,funding • Safe Routes to School Program alternatives,photos,and potential implementation schedules. 4. Various City Departments'funds b. Update Facility Plan to show each of the 5. Illinois Department of Natural Resources recommended corridors,as well as the existing and proposed park facilities. Task 6: Preliminary Review Meeting c. Prepare Facility Plan(1"=1000')for report. a. Meet with City to review preliminary alternatives d. Based on final comments,modify Master Plan for and recommendations. final distribution. b. Refine alternatives based on City input, priorities, e. Provide one(1)original and 25 copies of Final funding constraints,need,and project development Master Plan and Executive Summary and any schedule. associated maps,display graphics,and materials as required for public presentations. Bicycle Route Master Plan A•2 City of Elgin ■ ■ a n systems Exhibit A— Scope of Services f. Provide all drawings in AutoCAD format with all cross-referenced files merged to make each a complete drawing. Task 9: Implementation a. Determine logical segments and provide implementation matrix to establish a schedule for the design and construction of individual segments over a 5-10 year period. b. Work with Public Works to add key segments to the City's 5-year Capital Improvements Program. c. Develop education and marketing plan to promote bicycling and walking. Bicycle Route Master Plan A-3 Tra n Syst 1 City of Elgin �, en s\ EXHIBIT B-PROJECT SCHEDULE BICYCLE ROUTE MASTER PLAN CITY OF ELGIN No. TASK 2006 2007 N D J F M A M J J A S 0 FEASIBILITY STUDY 1. ANALYSIS OF EXISTING AND PROPOSED BIKEWAYS 2. IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL TRAIL DESTINATIONS 3. ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS 4. SITE VISIT AND REVIEW . . 5. ANALYSIS OF IMPLEMENTATION CONSTRAINTS/IMPEDIMENTS 6. PRELIMINARY REVIEW MEETING 7. PUBLIC REVIEW AND INPUT 8. PREPARE PRELIMINARY DRAFT AND FINAL REPORT 9. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN TranSystems Corporation Last Revised: October 16,y.tt City Review or Processing TranSystems Corporation Consultant TranSystems Corporation Exhibit C - Cost Estimate of - Project Elgin Bicycle Route Master Plan Consultant Services . County Kane (CPFF)- Date 10/13/06 Overhead Rate 154.30% Overhead In-House Outside Services %of Item Manhours Payroll & Direct Fixed Direct By Total Grand Fringe Benefits Costs Fee Costs Others Total 1.Analysis of Existing and Propsed Bikeways 96 3,127.10 4,825.11 1,153.07 480.00 9,585.28 9.87% 2. Identification of Potential Trail Destinations 36 1,057.54 1,631.78 389.95 90.00 3,169.27 3.26% 3.Alternatives Analysis 72 2,123.10 3,275.94 782.86 390.00 6,571.90 6.76% 4. Site Visit 96 3,083.81 4,758.31 608.00 1,225.27 240.00 9,915.39 10.21% 5.Analysis of Implementation Constraints/Impedimer 244 8,313.08 12,827.08 3,065.32 290.00 24,495.48 25.21 6. Preliminary Review Meeting 40 1,596.72 2,463.73 588.77 340.00 4,989.22 5.14% 7. Public Review and Input 136 4,416.62 6,814.84 1,628.56 190.00 13,050.02 13.43% 8. Prepare Preliminary Draft and Final Report 216 6,711.55 10,355.92 2,474.78 1,000.00 20,542.26 21.15% 9. Implementation Plan 40 1 658.04 2,558.35 °p611.38 0.00 4,827.76 4.97/° TOTALS 976 32,087.55 49,511.08 608.00 11,919.96 3,020.00 0.00 97,146.59 100% Subconsultar Role DLK Corridor Planning and Land Use Analysis Chicagoland Bicycle Federation Bicycle Guidelines, Policy Review, and Marketing ��OF FCC L� s„°M 42' City of Elgin Agenda Item No. .+, �r. 4,41:Zeif October 20, 2006 ��•�'= TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Olufemi Folarin, City Manager � John Loete, Public Works Director ccatit nal, We and Cultural.Opportuintrojor A)!Citizens SUBJECT: Agreement with TransSystems For Development of the Bicycle Route Master Plan PURPOSE The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Mayor and members of the City Council with information to consider the award of an engineering services agreement to TransSystems for development of a Bicycle Route Master Plan. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council approve the agreement with TransSystems for the Bicycle Route Master Plan in the not-to-exceed amount of$97,147. BACKGROUND Included in the 2006 Capital Improvement Budget is funding for implementation of a bikeway system in the City. The first step in that process is to develop a master plan that looks at the potential routing of the bikeways, verifies the feasibility of the routes and proposes an implementation plan for budgeting and construction purposes. A Request for Proposal for such a plan was issued on September 15 to three firms: Crawford, Murphy and Tilly (CMT), the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and TransSystems. CMT did not submit a proposal and TransSystems partnered with the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation on a proposal. Staff's review of the proposal from TransSystems found it to be an excellent proposal involving three firms with strong backgrounds in bikeways planning, design and construction. Staff met with TransSystems to review the scope of work and negotiate fees. The work effort will fully utilize and pull together the input collected to date from numerous "Popcorn and Peddling" meetings with neighborhood groups from across the City. The focus will be on verifying constructability of the routes, on coordinating with existing routes and planned routes in the area, and on developing an implementation plan to facilitate budgeting and construction. The agreement with TransSystems is attached for approval. The negotiated fee for the work is $97,147. • Agreement with TransSystems for Bicycle Route Master Plan October 20, 2006 Page 2 COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED None FINANCIAL IMPACT The agreement with TransSystems is for the not-to-exceed amount of$97,147. Funding for it is located in the Riverboat Fund in account number 275-0000-791.92-32, "Land Improvements", project number 039661, "Bikeway Implementation" ($100,000 budgeted and available). LEGAL IMPACT he Corporation Counsel is providing the City Council with a separate communication regarding the proposed Elgin Bikeway Plan. ALTERNATIVES 1. Approve the agreement with TransSystems for the Bicycle Route Master Plan as recommended 2. Do not approve the agreement with TransSystems and direct staff on how to proceed. Respectfully submitted for Council consideration. (jml) Attachment f, ,_ r: cs Transforming Elgin into a Bicycle-Friendly Community 0,0 0',Z" ir oPA, '- -n` �� �� ELLIN•COMMUNITY•NETWORK 41CYCI.EFEO R9TED Wb. tPtnAnm.••••r,MS 2035 WHAT ARE WE ASKING? The Elgin Community Network (ECN) is asking for the endorsement and assistance of the City Council in its efforts to improve the state of cycling in Elgin. The ECN will work with the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, the City, and highway jurisdictions to create and implement a "bicycle plan" that will make Elgin a bicycle-friendly community. Such a plan will put forward a holistic strategy to promote bicycling in Elgin, addressing engineering, education, encouragement, evaluation and planning, and enforcement. City participation could be in the form of technical assistance, inclusion of bicycle accommodations in street improvement projects, incorporation of bicycle accommodations in zoning and subdivision regulations, information sharing, and/or financial assistance. The ECN will pursue grant funds and private contributions to create and implement the plan. WHY PROMOTE BICYCLING? Communities that are bicycle-friendly are seen as places with a high quality of life. This often translates into increased property values, business growth and increased tourism. Bicycle-friendly communities are places where people feel safe and comfortable riding their bikes for fun, fitness, and transportation. More bicycling will result in reduced traffic demands, better air quality, and improved public health. WHAT IS A BICYCLE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY? A bicycle-friendly community encourages its residents to bicycle for fun, fitness, and transportation. Well-engineered bicycle facilities, bicycle safety education, bicycle- friendly policies, and active promotion of bicycling are all signs of a community that is bicycle-friendly. DID YOU KNOW ... • In addition to the Fox River Trail, the Grand Illinois Trail and the Illinois Prairie Path converge on Elgin. • Elgin residents listed pedestrian and bicycle facilities as the #1 desired recreation amenity in the parks system. ■ Bicycle and pedestrian facilities were the most popular topic of discussion in numerous neighborhood meetings conducted to obtain feedback on the Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines. ■ Developers are constructing miles of bike paths throughout the new residential projects located west of Randall Road. • There are approximately 150 members of the Illinois League of Bicyclists residing in Elgin. HISTORY OF BICYCLE PLANNING IN ELGIN ... The 1983 Elgin Comprehensive Plan included policy statements and a framework plan to design and implement a bicycle network throughout the community. The Elgin Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2000) and the recently adopted Elgin Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines (2005) provide public policy statements and plans for an expanded local bicycle system to serve the community, and to link with neighboring and regional bicycle systems. While crafting the Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines, the City and the ECN co-hosted a series of "Popcorn and Planning" meetings to obtain community feedback at various stages during the planning process. The creation of community- wide system of bicycle routes and trails was the most popular topic at those meetings. This led to follow-up "Popcorn and Pedaling" meetings to focus more attention on this popular topic. What is needed now is a champion to create a holistic strategy and programs to promote bicycling in Elgin. The ECN has volunteered to lead the effort to make Elgin a bicycle-friendly community, and has enlisted to the support of the nationally recognized Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. OUR GOALS ... ■ Create and implement a holistic plan to promote bicycling in Elgin; • Begin to expand the local bicycle network (focus on establishing one route this year), and to link the local network with neighboring and regional systems; and • Our ultimate goal is to join the City of Chicago and the Village of Schaumburg as Illinois communities included on the list of nationally recognized bicycle- friendly communities. The League of American Bicyclists initiated the "Bicycle Friendly Communities" award in 2003 to recognize communities that are committed to improving conditions for bicyclists. These communities are making the streets safer for bicyclists, educating bicyclists and motorists to share the road, promoting a wide range of bicycling activities, and stepping up enforcement of traffic laws to protect bicyclists.