Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission

Wheaton Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission February 18, 2026 – 7pm Gamon Room, Wheaton City Hall, Wheaton, IL In person and Virtual meeting I. Call to Order/Roll Call: 7:10 pm A. Members present: Michelle Dunlap, Rita Nathanson, Bill Nieman, Rick Tampier, Bob Van Valzah B. Members present via Zoom: None, Laurel Salvador, George Schmidt III C. Members absent: None D. Public present: Dede Barnicle E. Public present via Zoom: Christina Tucker II. Approval of Minutes: January Motion to approve: Michelle D, seconded by Rick T, Unanimously approved III. Public Comment A. None. IV. Chair Report A. New four-way stop sign at N Washington St & E Harrison Ave: Bill reports that the city has added the sign to an intersection George has consistently flagged as particularly dangerous. See visuals below. B. E-Bike Ordinance Coordination: 1. Lively discussion at City Council Planning Meeting a) Meeting video: Discussion of the e-bike ordinance starts at about 41 minutes and runs about 40 minutes. 2. Intended Action by State of Illinois a) Daily Herald Coverage b) Likely Timeframe: Intel from Ride Illinois suggests work could complete with the spring legislative session ending in May. 3. Bob V. had an email from Will Kolschowsky saying he is working on a new draft. 4. Morton Grove Example: Bob led a discussion of a Morton Grove flyer summarizing their ordinance (an attractive one-page flyer and FAQ) and presented a draft modification for consideration as a flyer for Wheaton. 5. Susan Bishel and Communications Department: They are planning to assist in publicizing a new ordinance for Wheaton when it is developed. C. 2025 Event Photos: Thanks to Rita and others who contributed action shots of our work this year. WHEATON BICYCLIST & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES February 18, 2026 D. Turning Stop Sign from SB Carlton Ave to WB Roosevelt Rd.:. See visual below. E. Herrick Lake Asphalt Path 1. Grant for new forest preserve path WBPC wrote in support of was approved (Rita N) 2. Near final draft of 2025 Master Plan: See visual below. F. N Gary Ave Path to W Harrison Ave Sidewalk Reportedly Hazardous 1. See visuals below. G. Suburban Chicago Bicycling Website: Local resources and news. H. Active Transportation Alliance Suburban Advocacy Call 1. Regional Agency CMAP Makes Grants for Bike Plans a) Six communities applied for bike plan assistance in 2025 b) Rolling Meadows Received Assistance c) Applications for 2026 grants likely open mid-March through early April. 2. Ride Riverside is seeing 1% of population show up for monthly slow roll rides. V. Ongoing Business A. Membership Update: Dede Barnicle application submitted, awaiting Mayor’s action. B. America250 Celebration: Deadline for Ideas is February 25th 1. Bob V presented a Proposed Plan: review and revise; revision idea is to include stops with joint U.S.A./Wheaton significance, including Native American history; Bob will modify plan and include proposed ride dates (September 19th/26th rain date). 2. Rick T discussed concept of Memorial Day ride that ends at Wheaton parade; he also suggested WBPC participate in July 4th parade; Michelle D will ask Park District about leading the parade with kids on decorated bikes. C. WBPC 2026 Priority Setting 1. Bike Valet – Service and give aways 2. National Night Out – give aways 3. History Ride – U.S.A. 250 a) Proposed dates: September 19th with rain date of September 26th 4. Updated Bike/Ped Plan a) Attempt to get CMAP funding (80%) for revised plan in 2027 5. (League of American Cyclists) Bicycle Friendly Cities/Businesses a) Rick T reached out to Warrenville; Bob V reached out to Aurora; neither got any response yet b) Dede B will reach out to Batavia once she joins the commission c) We should try to get some Bicycle Friendly businesses started in Wheaton: coffee shops, bike shops, businesses near the IPP; Dede B (once she joins the commission), Laurel S. and Rita N will visit some businesses in nearby communities to understand the process and benefits for them. VI. New Business A. Proposed WBPC Purpose Statement Update: 1. Michelle suggests that we make our coordination role outside the city explicit by adding the two words in red: “Establish and maintain communications with those agencies, individuals and organizations within and without the city that advocate bicycling and walking and promote the sharing of resources among them.” 2 WHEATON BICYCLIST & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES February 18, 2026 2. Rick T motioned to make the change; Rita N seconded; Unanimously approved via voice vote. B. Proposed Adding Commission History to WBPC Webpage: Would a summary of our history give useful context to visitors to our webpage? 1. History summary by Michelle D was reviewed; Michelle will ask Susan to add to Commission web page. C. Funding Failed for Roosevelt Rd Traffic Signal at St. Francis: 1. St. Francis HS couldn’t get $500k; DuPage United is working with Sen Lewis to get funding from state and ask Wheaton to keep planning process alive. VII. Next Meeting: March 25, 2026 (Note: this meeting moved to 4th Wednesday of month) VIII. Adjournment: 8:40 pm IX. Visuals: see next four pages Approved 3 WHEATON BICYCLIST & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES February 18, 2026 A. Carlton & Roosevelt Stop Sign 4 WHEATON BICYCLIST & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES February 18, 2026 B. Herrick Lake Paved Path Plan 5 WHEATON BICYCLIST & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES February 18, 2026 C. N Washington St & E Harrison Ave Four-Way Stop Sign Installation 6 WHEATON BICYCLIST & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES February 18, 2026 D. N Gary Ave Path to W Harrison Ave Sidewalk Reportedly Hazardous 7