Choose A New Path! Bike 53

There is a better way!

Build the East Branch DuPage River Trail on Route 53 to better connect and serve the most people. The Dupage County Board is currently considering a multi-use path for the East Branch Dupage River Trail (EBDRT) that would cut through homes on Gray Road and Valley Road in Glen Ellyn before crossing the East Branch of the Dupage River and continuing through old-growth neighborhoods on Sunnybrook Road and Glenbard Road. This proposed route (see map) requires building a bridge across the river at Westfield Elementary School, which might draw children toward the dangers of the river. The path then passes through the wastewater treatment plant. And finally, the route turns into established neighborhoods, requiring clear-cutting of hundreds of high-quality oak, maple, and osage trees that have provided privacy and beauty for generations. Instead, building the trail on Route 53 would enhance the trail without impacting private property, cutting down trees, or endangering children. Let’s work together to influence a better way.

Thanks to all who turned out in record numbers for the East Branch DuPage River Trail (EBDRT) meeting on April 29!

There is a big misconception about what the West Trail (along Rt. 53) will look like. Rt. 53 has a 50’ wide roadbed. The diagram shows how the West Trail would protected from the road and gives breathing room to homeowners. This is the same sort of path that is being constructed at the corner of Rt. 53 and Butterfield Rd up to Home Depot. We have confirmed this with the County and the engineering firm. Do not believe those who are saying that the shoulder is going to be widened with just a white stripe to indicate the bike lane. This is misinformation to build support for the East path which cuts through neighborhoods. There is still time to give feedback to the county. Comments submitted by May 16 will be included in the public record. Click here to take the survey!

EBDRT on Route 53 is the Best Option!

GOAL: “Maximize recreational benefits”
Building the EBDRT on Route 53 would connect the most people and encourage more pedestrian and bike traffic. Extending the Butterfield Trail up Route 53 would connect more neighborhoods without carving through neighborhood sanctuaries.
GOAL: “Support multimodal travel”
Building the EBDRT on Route 53 would connect more neighborhoods and offer more ways to walk, ride, and connect.
GOAL: “If possible, use a natural setting near a river”
Building the EBDRT on Route 53 has beautiful trees, landscaping, and just as many water crossings as any alternative route.
GOAL: “Improve pedestrian and bicycle safety”
Building the EBDRT on Route 53 has enough room for safety/guard rails that aren’t possible on alternate routes. Alternative routes do not have required frontage plus official Dupage County Plat Surveys show there’s not enough room to build without encroaching on private property. Route 53 is zoned for plenty of room to create the trail legally and safely.
GOAL: “Achieve a low-impact and cost-effective solution”
Building the EBDRT on Route 53 would save tens of thousands of dollars by not having to build a bridge by Westfield Elementary School.
A Route 53 trail would have the lowest impact because it wouldn't cross onto private property, wouldn't require cutting down hundreds of trees, and it wouldn’t bore through old-growth neighborhoods. Let’s work together to influence a better way.