Naperville Transportation Advisory Board Meeting - September 3, 2026

The Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) met on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a presentation on the proposed update to the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, public comments, and discussion of an ongoing overnight parking survey.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously approved the minutes of the August 6, 2026, Transportation Advisory Board meeting. (Motion by Mr. Kruzinski, second by Mr. Hurley; roll call vote: 8 ayes, 0 nays.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councilman Holzhauer expressed strong support for the bicycle plan, calling it key to retaining Naperville's status as a top community. He requested that a footnote be added to the report highlighting a "missing mile" connection between the Illinois Prairie Path and the DuPage River Trail downtown, noting that city leaders have explored using government land to improve the dangerous crossing at Aurora and Eagle.
• Rick Hitchcock, a retired urban designer and former Riverwalk commissioner, praised the plan's thoroughness. He noted that the Riverwalk 2031 plan will add multi-use paths in two new sections, which should be referenced. He encouraged partnerships with the Downtown Naperville Alliance, Downtown Advisory Committee, and Riverwalk Commission.
• Catherine Clarkin, founder of Accelerate Climate Solutions, expressed general support but argued the plan does not go far enough on safety. She recommended protected bike lanes on roads with speed limits above 25 mph (citing fatality risk statistics) and suggested intersection treatments like bike boxes, all-way stops, and no right-turn-on-red. She compared the plan's $1.9 million/year average cost to $12 million/year spent on road maintenance, calling the bike plan a bargain.
• Bill Simon, a 32-year resident, spoke in support, citing the success of the DuPage River Trail. He argued that seasonal use is acceptable, as many facilities are seasonal.
• Justin White, a resident whose family member was hit by a car while cycling, listed several fatal crashes in Naperville and urged prioritizing safety to prevent more deaths.
• Ernest Oxen K. Schultz, an avid cyclist, raised concerns about speed differentials and criticized recent traffic calming measures (e.g., on Jefferson Avenue) that force cyclists into traffic. He called for dedicated bike lanes through such treatments.

Discussion Items

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Update (Item 26-1018): Consultants from Epstein and Sons International presented a draft update to the 1997/2006 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The plan's vision focuses on creating a safe, connected network to destinations. Over 12 months, the process included online engagement (500+ comments, 850+ likes), pop-up events, and an April 2026 open house (90+ participants, 90%+ approval). Existing conditions analysis identified strengths (extensive sidewalks, low-stress residential streets) and barriers (rivers, railroads, high-stress streets, fragmented downtown access). The plan recommends over 100 infrastructure improvements categorized into four quadrants, including bike boulevards, bike lanes, buffered/protected bike lanes, and multi-use paths. It also includes policy and program recommendations requiring partnerships with schools, parks, police, and other entities. Total estimated cost is $54 million through 2050 (average $1.9 million/year). Implementation priorities are phased (short-, medium-, long-term).
• Board Questions and Discussion:
  • Members asked about safety, particularly on high-speed roads like Plainfield Naperville Road. They discussed the need for better separation and the use of crossing improvements (e.g., rectangular rapid-flashing beacons).
  • The board inquired whether the plan was aspirational or realistic. Consultants described it as somewhere in between, noting coordination challenges and a lack of initial cost caps—recommendations drove cost estimates.
  • Staff confirmed that there is no dedicated annual budget for bike/ped infrastructure, but the 2027 budget includes requested funds for feasibility studies. The plan recommends a semiannual implementation update to TAB.
  • Regarding future integration of public comments, staff stated that feedback from this meeting and the public will be incorporated into a final draft to be presented at the October TAB meeting for approval before going to City Council.
  • Members noted the "missing mile" downtown connection and confirmed a feasibility study is planned, with scope to be broadened based on Councilman Holzhauer's and Mr. Hitchcock's suggestions.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the August 6, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Received the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan presentation and provided input. The board directed staff to incorporate public comments and board feedback into the final draft plan.
• Next Steps: Staff and consultants will refine the plan for a recommendation vote at the October TAB meeting, followed by City Council approval.
• Old Business: The overnight parking survey remains open through September 18, 2026, with approximately 2,000 responses received. A summary and recommendations will be brought to a future TAB meeting.
• Adjourned the meeting via unanimous vote.