getting out of the car:      creating walkable neighborhoods
While the car has greatly expanded mobility, the region is fast approaching gridlock. In some areas, traffic congestion on weekends can be as bad as during rush hour. A major challenge to getting people out of their cars is having destinations to which people want to walk or bike. Neighborhoods with wide streets, relatively high speed limits, and few interruptions to traffic flow make crossing intersections dangerous for pedestrians.   

    Neighborhoods need to be redesigned to be more convenient and accessible to those who cannot or do not want to drive. Bedroom communities that were settled over the past several decades have made few provisions for seniors and young people who cannot drive. While office buildings and hotels have been totally redesigned for accessibility, towns have not.  As the population that cannot drive grows, it places a tremendous burden on other family members and public transit agencies to fill the gap. 

   
a center of commerce and government in the Fox Valley, is a destination point for shoppers and tourists. Geneva has managed economic growth of its downtown with new infill development and nearby residential growth.  

  Bicentennial Park includes a bicycle and walking path along the Des Plaines River which overlooks a river boat casino and provides a scenic alternative to Route 53, a congested north-south transportation route.   

  CTA elevated station provides direct access from a cluster of offices and hotels to nearby O'Hare International Airport and downtown Chicago, as well as to Pace suburban buses.  
   
 		 Guiding principles for walkable neighborhoods:   

Plan for a network of destinations with paths and sidewalks close to and convenient to homes, stores, offices, train stations and bus routes;   

Improve the street environment through the use of sidewalks, large  trees and landscaping;   

Reduce speed  limits and width of streets in town centers; and   

Place buildings close to the street and locate parking lots on the side or  to the rear of buildings.