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Bike Map Marks Roads As Safe for Bicyclists but Reader Disagrees

Posted on: Wednesday, 7 September 2005, 21:00 CDT

A passionate Sleepy Hollow resident has asked me to retract a comment I made in my column a few weeks ago where I recommended that cyclists use the Kane County Bicycle Map as a reference when planning bike routes. She's concerned because it's her opinion that two roads on the 2005 edition of the map are rated as safer than they should be.

As a point of reference, the map explains that it uses the nationally recognized Bicycle Level of Service rating methodology. Scores range from "A" (most comfortable for cyclists) to "F" (least comfortable) and are based on 2002 data. It's also worth recognizing that the explanation on the map includes a statement that she doesn't acknowledge: "The BLOS ratings are offered only as general information for experienced adult cyclists who are comfortable sharing the road with vehicular traffic."

The first road that the reader disagrees with is Randall Road from I-90 to Route 72. It is rated as a "B" in that area because of its wide shoulders, and while I feel fairly safe riding on Randall Road myself, it does seem that it might not deserve the second highest rating.

When I contacted Erin Royer, Transportation Planner for the Kane County Division of Transportation, she was very cordial and replied that she recognized the concerns about Randall Road and that "we are currently looking into that rating for our next map update."

The other road that is of concern to the resident is Sleepy Hollow Road from Route 72 south to the Elgin border. It is rated "C" on the map, but she feels that it is too dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians to use. According to her, it's narrow, winding and busy with car traffic.

Last Tuesday, I decided to do a quick test during my ride home from work. At 6:30 p.m., I biked on Sleepy Hollow Road from Thorobred Lane to Boncosky Road. During that 1.3-mile stretch, only one vehicle came up from behind and passed me (and that driver moved courteously into the oncoming lane because it was clear). While the road doesn't have shoulders, the speed limit is a strictly enforced 25 mph, the pavement is in great condition and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

I realize that this wasn't a proper study, but it does echo previous rides I've taken over the past 13 years along that road. There are very few north-south options for cyclists in the area without going miles out of the way to the east or west. Whenever I'm traveling through, Sleepy Hollow Road is my first choice.

Based on the map's printed description of the ratings as being a guide for experienced cyclists, I have to disagree with her on this one. It is a great resource for those of us who like to travel by bike.

Bike paths through forest preserves: On Sept. 14, the Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club will be having a guest speaker for its monthly meeting at the Batavia Public Library. Monica Meyers from the Kane County Forest Preserve District will be discussing open spaces and biking in the forest preserve system.

The free meeting begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. For more information, call (847) 742-1294 or visit the club's Web site at www.fvbsc.org.

- Todd Underwood covers cycling in the Fox Valley. To contact him, e-mail to todd@@peppergroup.com or write to c/o Daily Herald, 385 Airport Road, Suite A, Elgin, IL 60123.

Source: Daily Herald; Arlington Heights, Ill.

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