City Launches Next Phase of Sidewalk Safety Initiative to Enhance Pedestrian Safety

The City is launching the next phase of its Sidewalk Safety Initiative, intended to deter bicycle, scooter, and skateboard riding on sidewalks in Downtown Evanston and other business districts. The initiative is designed to promote safe, courteous travel for everyone using Evanston’s streets and sidewalks and is a component of addressing broader multi-modal safety issues citywide. 

This  educational campaign will include:

• Standing sidewalk signage
• In-person outreach
• Free public cycling and scooter safety and skills classes

The standing signs have been installed throughout downtown Evanston and build on sidewalk decals installed last year. They are intended to help maintain the sidewalk clearance required under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In addition to installed signage, the City will launch a coordinated communications effort to support consistent messaging across the community. A Sidewalk Safety toolkit will be distributed to partner organizations to help amplify messaging. 

City ordinance 10-9-4 states that riding bicycles, skateboards, scooters, in-line skates, roller skates, and other similar devices is prohibited on downtown sidewalks and in other business districts where posted. The ordinance was enacted over a decade ago in response to long-standing safety concerns raised by Evanston’s downtown sidewalk users. The ordinance also clarifies that, on sidewalks where riding is permitted, riders must yield the right of way to pedestrians and provide an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian. 

The Sidewalk Safety Initiative closely aligns with the City’s upcoming 2026 Bike Plan Update, which is a key component of its broader approach to cycling infrastructure and mobility. As part of this effort, the City continues to explore ways to better accommodate a range of transportation preferences, supporting safer, more accessible, and more connected travel options. 

“Maintaining sidewalks that are slow, comfortable, and conflict-free is an essential component of supporting a menu of quality, safe travel options in Evanston,” said Sarah D. FioRito, Transportation and Mobility Coordinator.