Cook County to Host Virtual Traffic Safety Improvement Project Open House

Residents invited to share concerns and ideas at upcoming public events

The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) and local leaders, in coordination with Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), announced today the launch of upcoming public engagement efforts for the Cook County Safety Action Plan, part of the regionwide Safe Travel for All initiative. The first event will be a virtual open house on February 13, followed by an in-person community open house in Elgin on February 22 and a Chicago Mobility Collaborative meeting in March.  

The Cook County Safety Action Plan aims to identify practical actions, innovative solutions and policy proposals to improve roadway safety for everyone, especially for pedestrians, bicyclists and people using mobility devices. Those who live or work in Cook County are encouraged to share their experiences and ideas to help shape this plan by participating in the virtual open house on February 13 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Those interested in attending can register here.   

“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,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Improving roadway safety is a top priority, and hearing directly from our communities about their daily challenges is crucial as we work toward safer streets for all.”

Mirroring a nationwide trend, annual traffic fatalities in Cook County have increased over the past decade, and crash data shows that pedestrians and bicyclists are at increased risk. Crashes including pedestrians and bicyclists represent only 2% of all crashes, yet pedestrians and bicyclists represent 23% of all traffic fatalities and serious injuries from 2018 through 2022. 

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also shows communities of color and people with disabilities are uniquely vulnerable. Compared to Cook County residents overall, Black residents are almost twice as likely to die in traffic crashes. The safety action plan will inform how state and local governments can work to reduce inequities and serious injuries and fatalities from traffic collisions.    

“This safety action plan puts our most vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, and those with mobility challenges—at the center of the conversation,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By listening to community voices across the region, we can implement meaningful solutions to reduce serious traffic crashes and save lives. I urge everyone who drives in or through our city to share their input and help shape a safer future for all.”  

Anyone who travels in Cook County is encouraged to participate in the safety action plan by attending community events and providing feedback online. Upcoming engagement opportunities include:  

• Cook County Safety Action Plan Virtual Meeting: February 13, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Register by clicking HERE.   
• Community Open House: February 22, 10 a.m. – noon, Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL. Join the project team to learn more about the plan and share input. Please complete the event registration form in advance to ensure accessibility needs are accommodated.  
• Chicago Mobility Collaborative (CMC): The safety action plan project team will share information and gather feedback at this year’s CMC meetings, a quarterly public forum hosted by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) focused on walking, biking, transit, and mobility topics in Chicago. The first meeting will take place in March, with more details available soon on the CMC website.   

Online Engagement Opportunities:  

• Safety Hotspots Map: Drop pins on the interactive safety hotspots map to note where roadway safety improvements are needed, to highlight challenges and to offer recommendations by clicking HERE. The map will close February 28 at 11:59 p.m.  
• Online Survey: Fill out the survey and help shape the safety action plan by clicking HERE. The survey will close February 28 at 11:59 p.m.  

The safety action plan is being developed in coordination with a wide range of partners, including representatives from Metra, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Health, Cook County Department of Public Health and local advocacy groups. Additionally, the project team has identified key municipal partners to highlight traffic safety in their communities and assist in identifying recommendations and solutions that will make a real difference in the lives of County residents.  

“The regional scale of Safe Travel for All presents a valuable opportunity for northeastern Illinois counties to understand collective challenges and local priorities,” said CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman. “Every person who shares their experiences driving, biking, and walking throughout the region is helping shape a safer future. CMAP is proud to coordinate these efforts so the region can maximize impact and save lives.” 

Safe Travel for All is being implemented across six counties in northeastern Illinois by CMAP. The plan is slated for completion in 2025.  

For more information about the Cook County Safety Action Plan and how to get involved, please visit the project website at: https://engage.cmap.illinois.gov/cook  

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