E-bikes will be allowed on Bike Trails in Cook County Forest Preserves

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting
April 13, 2021
Virtual meeting called to order at 10:10am 

Public Comment: None

Board Meeting:

• Agenda Item #21-0190   The FPDCC approved a contract extension with Openlands to continue restoration efforts being done at Deer Grove East to continue restoration work on over 200 acres of land, including the Valentine wetlands. The work is being done at no direct cost to the Forest Preserve, but from the Deer Grove East Modernization Mitigation Account (“OMMA”) through 2023. 
• Item #21-0194   Contract approval for Space Haus of Chicago, IL to design building and exhibit renovations for Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington Hills. A Museum Capital grant awarded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) would fund about 65 percent of design costs and 70 percent of estimated construction costs. 
• Item #21-0228   The Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming submitted their Calendar of Events for 4/13/2021-5/11/2021, including many activities for Earth Day. The Forest Preserve wants to continue to offer quality virtual events throughout the year in addition to their in-person events. The calendar can be found at www.fpdcc.com/events

Committee Items requiring board action

• The Recreation Committee discussed and the FPDCC approved item #21-0202, a bike ordinance which approves the use of e-bikes on Forest Preserve bike trails. This would allow people who would otherwise not be able to utilize the trails because of age or health to continue to ride. The FP plans to add signage on the trails for a speed limit and use police patrols where necessary. 

​Observer – Amber L Elmer                                                                            Meeting length: 31 minutes