Overview & Vision
Greater Egypt Regional Bicycle Planning Study:
A Blueprint for Connected Communities
The Greater Egypt Regional Bicycle Planning Study is a big step for Southern Illinois. We're working to make our communities safer and more connected. This project will create new bike routes. It will help everyone travel better. Learn about our goals, what we've done, and how you can help.
Our Vision: Connected Communities for Everyone
Greater Egypt Regional Planning & Development Commission is leading this important project. We're working with Cambria, Carterville, Crainville (the Tri-C Area), Herrin, and Murphysboro, Illinois. Our main goal is to create new bike routes. These routes will make travel safer, connect you to local places, and link to existing trails. We want everyone to have safe, easy, and active ways to get around. This will make our communities bike-friendly for many years.
This project's vision extends beyond just building infrastructure. It's about making life better for everyone. Safe and easy travel means healthier communities. It also helps our local economy by bringing in visitors and new businesses. We're building a transportation network that works for all.
Project Goals:
Paving the Way for a Bike-Friendly Future
Our main goal is to create a clear plan. The information gathered will help communities develop their own timeline for potential implementation and position themselves for available funding.
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Mapping Our Communities
We use advanced maps (ESRI ArcGIS) to show current roads and new route ideas. This helps us make smart choices. We look at traffic, land use, existing paths, and even rider data from apps like Strava. This helps us plan the best bike networks for funding and building.
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Checking Existing Paths
We list all current bike lanes and trails.
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Finding New Ways To Connect
We look for smart ways to build new paths that link places and offer more travel choices.
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Listening To You
We ask for your ideas to make sure the plan fits local needs.
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Connecting To Other Trails
We want to link to trails like the Crab Orchard Greenway. We also support new trail systems.
Background:
Why This Study Matters
For many years, smaller towns in the Midwest didn't have good bike and walking paths. Roads were mostly for cars. This meant limited ways to get around without a car. This study intends to fix that. We’ve focused on the specific needs of the Tri-C area, Herrin, and Murphysboro.
We have met with the communities and gathered initial public input. Our study looks at main roads as well as State and County highways in these three areas. We're also looking at the best types of bike paths. For example, we're exploring shoulders or separate paths to connect Murphysboro to beautiful places like Lake Murphysboro and Lake Kinkaid. This project is about making our transportation system better for everyone. It aims to improve safety, health, and local business.
Project Status:
Your Input Shapes Our Path
The Greater Egypt Regional Bicycle Planning Study is wrapping up now. We gathered information from many places. This includes online surveys, public meetings, and studies of existing roads. Your ideas are very important! The cut off for public feedback is August 7, 2026. Your feedback helps us make sure the final bike plans truly meet your community's needs.
Your ongoing feedback helps us create a plan that works.
Project Timeline: Key Milestones Ahead
The final report is in development. Once the report is complete, the final planned routes will be available for all to see.