Safe Routes to School: City of Freeport Community Travel Plan

About

Through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, the City of Freeport is developing a Community Travel Plan for schools within village limits. The plan will result in recommendations to expand and enhance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and encourage more students to safely walk, bike, and roll to school. In addition, the completed plan will set Freeport up as a strong candidate for future grant applications, including those funded by IDOT, to implement recommendations.

According to IDOT, SRTS programs lead to a 35-45% increase in walking and bicycling to school and a 45-75% decrease in pedestrian injuries near schools. Students who walk and bike to school can also reap the many health and social benefits of regular physical activity. Above all, a transportation network that is safe for students to walk and bike to school is a transportation network that is safe for everyone.

How to Engage

Throughout the planning process, there will be several opportunities for community input and engagement. We are currently seeking input on current safety challenges and project priorities through our online survey and interactive map.

Freeport Community Travel Plan Survey – Open through October 31, 2026

Freeport Community Travel Plan Interactive Map Activity – Open through October 31, 2026

Bike Safety in Freeport

City staff have received concerns about an increase in the use of electric devices that appear similar to e-bikes but are able to reach much faster speeds. Recent legislation has classified these types of decides as “e-motos” and sets limitations around their use. See the Secretary of State’s webpage on micromobility for more information on the differences between e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motos. The new legislation, which goes into effect on January 1, 2027, sets minimum age requirements for the use of electric devices, and e-motos will require licenses and registration. Parents are encouraged to review the information on the Secretary of State’s website before purchasing an electric micromobility device for their children.