New changes described as “permanent” changes have been implemented around Lake Arlington in Arlington Heights effective today.
Safety changes were implemented after a fatal accident that killed Barbara Pagano, age 74, when she was hit by an 11-year-old bicyclist that was part of a large group of children on a field trip at Lake Arlington. One bicyclist swerved to avoid Barbara Pagano, but a second bicyclist then hit her. She fell and suffered a fatal head injury. Bike path safety signs and markings, and an interim safety plan were immediately implemented.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Bicyclists and wheeled users (excluding wheelchairs) are required to travel in a counter clockwise direction every day using the outside lane of the path.Pedestrians, runners, people with strollers and wheelchairs are permitted to travel in either direction using the inside lane of the path.
SOURCE: Arlington Heights Park District
New Safety Plan
Starting today, as the Arlington Heights Park District Boat House opens on May 1, 2014, the inside lane of the path around the lake is bi-directional and reserved for runners, pedestrians walkers, walkers with strollers and people in wheelchairs.
During the previous interim safety plan, runners, pedestrians walkers, walkers with strollers and people in wheelchairs were required to all travel in the opposite direction of bicyclists, who were permitted to ride, and will still be permitted to ride in one direction (counter clockwise) in the outer lane in the new plan.
At a community meeting in October 2013, residents expressed disappointment that the interim safety plan limited families from enjoying the path together because young children who ride their bikes couldn’t accompany parents or other family members walking or jogging in the same direction.
Some people were concerned that there was increased security risk of having all pedestrians travel in the same direction, because without any oncoming pedestrians, it was easier for an offender to sneak up and assault a pedestrian from behind.
The Arlington Heights Park District will host a Launch, Walk & Roll event, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2014 to orient visitors about the pathway changes. There will be giveaways and demos from Angler’s International Resources, Elite Athletic Development, Runners High N’ Tri, Mount Prospect Bike Club, Trotters of Arlington Heights, Village Cycle Sport, Wheeling Wheelmen Bike Club, and more.
The Launch, Walk & Roll event is free and no registration is required.
See also …
Arlington Heights Park District Park District Listened, Learned, Launching Lake Arlington Season
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