Pedestrian hotspots in Aurora: Ensuring safety and accessibility in Illinois’ second-largest city

Pedestrian Accident - July 18, 2024 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

As the second-largest city in Illinois, Aurora boasts a vibrant community and numerous attractions that draw pedestrians year-round. However, with increasing foot traffic, pedestrian safety and accessibility in Aurora become paramount concerns. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we are committed to advocating for pedestrian safety and providing the legal support necessary for those affected by pedestrian accidents.

Keep reading to learn about some of Aurora’s key pedestrian hotspots and highlight significant developments, such as the new pedestrian bridge in Riveredge Park. Call our Aurora personal injury lawyers at (800) 985-1819 today if you or a loved one were injured while crossing the street.

Popular pedestrian areas in Aurora, IL

Aurora is home to several popular pedestrian areas that combine leisure, commerce, and cultural activities. These hotspots attract residents and visitors, necessitating a focus on pedestrian safety and infrastructure.

Downtown Aurora

Downtown Aurora is a bustling area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The vibrant nightlife and frequent events at venues like the Paramount Theatre and RiverEdge Park ensure the streets are often busy with pedestrians. Enhancing pedestrian safety in this area includes improved crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and dedicated pedestrian pathways.

Fox River Trail

The Fox River Trail is a scenic route that runs through Aurora, offering walkers, joggers, and cyclists a beautiful path along the river. This trail is a favorite for both exercise and leisure, and it connects to various parks and recreational areas. Ensuring the safety of pedestrians on this trail is crucial, especially at intersections where the trail crosses busy streets.

Chicago Premium Outlets

As a major shopping destination, the Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora attract thousands of visitors daily. The large influx of pedestrians requires well-maintained crosswalks, clear signage, and vigilant traffic management to prevent accidents and ensure a safe shopping experience.

Recent developments made by the City of Aurora to improve pedestrian safety

The City of Aurora has been proactive in implementing various measures to enhance pedestrian safety. Recognizing the importance of creating a safe and accessible environment for all, the city has introduced several recent developments aimed at reducing accidents and promoting walkability.

• Enhanced crosswalks and signals – Key intersections have been upgraded with high-visibility crosswalks and pedestrian countdown timers, making it easier for pedestrians to cross streets safely.
• Pedestrian refuge islands – The city has installed pedestrian refuge islands at strategic locations to provide a safer crossing environment on wide roads. These islands offer a safe midpoint for pedestrians, allowing them to cross busy streets in stages rather than all at once.
• Traffic calming measures – Aurora has implemented various traffic calming measures, including speed bumps, curb extensions, and narrowed traffic lanes.
• Safe Routes to School program – Aurora has also invested in the Safe Routes to School program, which aims to create safe and convenient ways for children to walk or bike to school. This program includes infrastructure improvements such as better sidewalks, signage, and crossing guards at key intersections.
• Public awareness campaigns – The City of Aurora has launched public awareness campaigns to educate drivers and pedestrians about safety. These campaigns include informational sessions, the distribution of safety materials, and social media outreach.
• New pedestrian bridge – The construction of a new pedestrian bridge in popular Riveredge Park is a significant development to improve pedestrian safety. This bridge will provide a safe crossing over busy roads, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing connectivity for pedestrians.
• Collaboration with local organizations – Through public meetings and forums, the city gathers input from residents to inform its safety initiatives, ensuring that the measures taken reflect the community’s needs and priorities.
• Future plans – Aurora has plans to continue its investment in pedestrian safety. This includes expanding the network of pedestrian-friendly pathways, further enhancing crosswalk visibility, and exploring innovative solutions such as pedestrian detection technology at traffic signals.

Legal advocacy for pedestrians in Aurora

Despite the improvements in pedestrian infrastructure, accidents can still occur. Aurora pedestrians who are involved in accidents have the right to seek legal recourse. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we specialize in personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to ensuring injured pedestrians receive the compensation they deserve.

Our firm proudly advocates for pedestrian safety

At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we support the safety initiatives proposed by the City of Aurora. We’re here to help, too, by providing legal assistance to those affected by pedestrian accidents. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your options if you need legal support.