Mt.Vernon Bicycle Master Plan - Background
Background
Mt. Vernon is participating in developing a bicycle master plan that the Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission is facilitating on behalf of the City of Mt. Vernon and the City of Benton. The purpose of the bicycle master plan will be to guide future bicycle improvements in Mt. Vernon with short, intermediate, and long-term implementation strategies. The bicycle master plan will include an inventory of existing bicycle facilities, an analysis of existing roadways capable of accommodating bicycle facilities, and recommendations for specific infrastructure projects.
While the plan will be for the jurisdictional boundaries of Mt. Vernon, recommended bike travel corridors will consider connectivity to existing and proposed regional bike trail networks such as the Rend Lake bike trails.
The planning process started in Summer 2023 and will be completed by late Spring 2024. Community input will be an essential part of the bicycle master plan. An Advisory Committee that includes residents, organizations, and businesses will meet with the planning team two to three times during the process to provide advice and feedback. In addition, an online community wide survey and two public open houses will allow the public to help shape the plan.
Common Questions and Answers about the Bicycle Master Plan
Why is having a Bicycle Master Plan Important?
A few benefits of bike facilities include increased bicycle safety, transportation choices, and the number of people biking. In addition, the plan can be an economic development tool. A bicycle friendly community can help attract businesses, tourists, and residents, who often prefer to live or visit where they can bike and walk.
Who is leading the Bicycle Master Plan?
The Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission is funding the plan. The City will use the plan as a guide in implementing future bicycle facilities. The planning team is led by the i5Group, along with Oates Associates and Round Table Design. The planning team is working with City staff and an Advisory Committee in developing the plan.
How can I be involved in the process?
Great question! Public involvement is very important. You can attend a public open house in late summer / early fall and a second open house in early 2024. In addition, an online community survey will take place in late summer. Visit
www.MtVernonBikePlan.com to stay up to date about the planning process.
How will the Bicycle Master Plan be implemented?
The bicycle master plan will guide the City and other partners to improve bicycling in the City. The master plan does not commit a community to fund new projects. Instead, it is a guide to plan for the needs of bicyclists, especially when new streets are built, or current streets are improved. If new bicycle facilities are a priority for the community, the master plan will help prioritize projects and leverage support and funding options such as grants from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). This planning process will include the development of an ITEP (Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program) grant application to fund an initial implementation project.
I don’t bike (or seldom bike), why should I be interested in the Bicycle Master Plan?
Bicycling is an important quality of life component. Businesses and residents often choose to locate in a city with a high quality of life. A bicycle friendly community can be a key strength in attracting and keeping residents, businesses, and tourists.