Two serious cyclist accidents, caused each by auto rear end crashes in and about Sun City Boulevard, led to the formation of a local special interest group. With deep concerns about cycling and pedestrian safety, Walkers and Bicyclists for a Safer Community (WBSC) was formed in November, 2020. Then in April of 2021, a near miss of a pedestrian attempting to cross Del Webb Boulevard at Stonewater Crossing happened. The concerns of occasional encounters now had turned into a pattern of behavior necessary for reform action. Here is how WBSC met the challenge.
After discussing information and doing research using specific troublesome locations, three basic objectives and five points of focus within Sun City were developed by the group led by John Zeller.
The three basic objectives of WBSC are:
1. To address safety issues related to both pedestrians and cyclists in and around our community of Sun City.
2. Anticipate and address changes that may impact traffic patterns and volume (such as Amazon Distribution Center) and the continuation of Route 47 commercial development, along with multifamily residential construction planned north and south of Sun City Huntley (SCH).
3. To strengthen and support SCH as an active Adult (55+) community.
The five points of focus are:
1. EDUCATION: SAFETY THROUGH KNOWLEDGE. With the advent of spring and walkers and cyclists more prevalent on our community’s sidewalks and roads, it becomes a time to brush up on the Rules of the Road booklet. Whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist – challenge your knowledge – go to BikeSafetyQuiz.com and learn how to share the road safely.
2. AWARENESS: IT’S RIGHT TO BE BRIGHT! Put on an outer layer of bright, reflective colors and use lights to make yourself more visible.
3. TRAFFIC CONTROL: SLOWING THE TRAFFIC DOWN. The Village of Huntley (VOH) has approved an area Traffic Study of Vehicle Flow and Intersection Safety.
4. SIGNAGE: WARNING! BE ALERT! EVERYONE: Please be ALERT for pedestrians in our crosswalks and cyclists on our streets!
5. SAFE CROSSWALKS & BICYCLE MULTI-USE LANES: THERE IS A PLACE FOR US. Walkers and Bikers for a Safer Community is dedicated to safe street conditions in our Active Adult Community.
Sun City Co-Chairs: John Zeller, Nancy Glissman, and Paxton Knopsnyder offer their recommendation for you to share the following link with your friends and family, so we all can make a difference as a community:
To join Walkers and Bicyclists for a Safer Community (WBSC) or for more information, please contact them at wbscsig@gmail.com. The special interest group will meet on the first Wednesday of the month. They will present research and proposals to your club, neighborhood, or other organization.
Simply contact them at the above emails or call John at 847-217-5468 for more info. WBSC’s first Spring meeting will take place at Pinecrest Golf Course Meeting Room at 4 p.m. on April 6. Huntley Police Department’s Sergeant Megan Carney will be in attendance.
