The Logan Boulevard bike lane in Chicago between Rockwell Street and Diversey Parkway. [Erin Hegarty] 

Cook County recently released its first-ever plan to address the needs of cyclists and beef up its bike infrastructure in response to findings that the area’s bike path connectivity and accessibility could be improved. The Cook County Bike Plan, released May 24, lays out the principles and methods for improving cycling infrastructure countywide as well as best practices for bike-friendly facilities. 

The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted to accept the completed plan during their regular May meeting. The plan is a follow-up to the 2016 Connecting Cook County long range transportation plan. Both plans’ creations were led by the county Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) and included public input.