I hope you enjoyed your weekend!
Topics below include:
- E-Bike Tragedies Highlight Need for Statewide Safety Legislation
- Delivery Results for Illinois Families
- You Asked, We Acted – IDOT Safety Parameters After Crash into Wauconda Fire Department
- National Night Out
- Notice of Road Closure Rt. 59 GHO Stormwater Drainage Project
- Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events Near You
E-Bike Tragedies Highlight Need for Statewide Safety Legislation
These past couple of weeks, our community has been mourning the tragic loss of a teenager in an e-bike crash. Today, we’re once again grieving after a 16-year-old lost his life in an e-scooter crash, while another child remains hospitalized following a serious e-bike accident.
How many more lives will be changed before we act?
I’ve heard from parents, mayors, police chiefs, and local officials across Illinois who have all shared the same concern: high-powered e-bikes and e-scooters are capable of traveling at speeds that far exceed what our current laws were designed to address.
As I shared with Fox 32 Chicago, our law enforcement officers need clear, consistent regulations so they can address dangerous riding before another family receives the worst phone call imaginable.
That’s why I co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to establish statewide safety standards for these high-powered vehicles. This bill isn’t about banning e-bikes or e-scooters. It’s about accountability, public safety, and preventing more heartbreaking tragedies like the ones we’ve seen in recent days.
Governor Pritzker’s signature is the next critical step toward putting these protections in place.
My heart is with the families affected by these devastating accidents. We owe it to them, and to every family across Illinois, to do better.
Read and watch more here.
Delivery Results for Illinois Families
This spring, I focused on advancing solutions that make life more affordable, protect our children, support our seniors and veterans, and strengthen communities across Illinois.
From fighting to lower costs for families through property tax relief, reduced utility costs, and tax relief on essential items, to improving child safety, supporting law enforcement, protecting seniors from fraud, and giving local communities a stronger voice, my priority has been delivering results that make a real difference in people’s everyday lives.
I will continue working to put families first, support job creators, and advocate for policies that make Illinois a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
You Asked, We Acted – IDOT Safety Parameters After Crash into Wauconda Fire Department
A few months ago, a car crashed into the front of the Wauconda Fire District Station 1, causing significant damage to the property. Fortunately, no first responders were injured. This crash was not an isolated incident but rather the latest in a troubling pattern of crashes that have occurred at the curve on Barrington Road near its intersection with Illinois Route 176 in the Village of Wauconda. Soon after the incident, I met with members of the Wauconda Fire District and Wauconda Police Department to survey the damage and discuss their desire to see safety enhancements made to this stretch of road to address the numerous accidents that occur at this location.
After our meeting I sent a letter to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) informing them of the situation and requesting the Department conduct a formal safety study at this location and evaluate additional safety enhancements to determine the most effective measures for improving public safety at this stretch of road. I am pleased to share that IDOT recently informed my office that they will be performing a barrier warrant analysis at this stretch of road as well as implementing the following to increase motorist awareness of the change in roadway alignment on Barrington Road near IL 176 in Wauconda:
- Replace the existing 36” x 36” ‘Turn’ sign with a larger 48” x 48” sign
- Replace the existing 18” x 18” ‘Advisory Speed 10 MPH’ sign with a 24” x 24” sign
- Install three (3) ‘Chevron’ signs closer to the intersection at 10 feet spacing.
- Flags will be installed on all signs to enhance sign conspicuity
This is a great example of what can be achieved when different units of government work together on behalf of their community and I want to commend the Wauconda Fire District and Wauconda Police Department for their advocacy on this issue.
National Night Out
I was proud to see communities across the 26th District come together for National Night Out!
From Rolling Meadows and Algonquin to Lake in the Hills, Mundelein, Deer Park, Wauconda, Palatine, Barrington, Lake Zurich, and communities throughout the district, neighbors gathered to connect, celebrate, and build stronger relationships with local law enforcement, first responders, and one another.
National Night Out is a great reminder that our communities are at their best when we come together. Thank you to everyone who helped organize these events and to our first responders for the work they do every day to keep our neighborhoods safe. I’m grateful to be part of such strong and engaged communities across the 26th District!
Notice of Road Closure Rt. 59 GHO Stormwater Drainage Project
I want to make sure residents are aware of an upcoming road closure that may impact their daily commute. Beginning Thursday, August 13, through Tuesday, September 15, Illinois Route 59 will be closed in both directions between Cuba Road and Illinois Route 22 while crews replace a large box culvert as part of the Village of North Barrington’s GHO Stormwater Drainage Project. If you travel through this area, please plan ahead, allow extra time for your commute, and follow the posted detour signs. Thank you for your patience as this important infrastructure project is completed to improve safety for everyone who uses this roadway.
Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events Near You
There’s something happening all summer long across the 26th District! I am hosting these events to connect residents with valuable resources, services, educational seminars, family activities, and opportunities to get involved.
August Events
🩸 Blood Drive
Tuesday, August 11 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Palatine Village Hall
200 E. Wood St., Palatine
💻 Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World
Wednesday, August 26 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Barrington Park District
235 Lions Drive, Barrington
💊 Palatine Prescription Drug Drop-Off Event
Saturday, August 29 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Palatine Police Department
595 N. Hicks Rd., Palatine
September Events
💊 Mundelein Medicare 101
Tuesday, September 8 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Mundelein Police Department
221 N. Lake St., Mundelein, IL 60060
🎓 Virtual Financial Aid Webinar
Wednesday, September 9 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Virtual Event
💡 Utility Bill Clinic
Thursday, September 10 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Palatine Senior Center
505 S. Quentin Road, Palatine, IL 60067
💼 Job Fair
Monday, September 21 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mundelein Park & Recreation District
1401 N. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein
🛡️ Hawthorn Woods Senior Fraud Prevention Seminar
Wednesday, September 23 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
The Barn at Village Hall
2 Lagoon Drive, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
👵 Wauconda Senior Health Fair
Wednesday, September 30 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wauconda Township
505 West Bonner Road, Wauconda, IL 60084
Stay tuned for more events to be added! Visit www.senatordarbyhills.com/events to follow along and learn more details.
As always, my office is here to help if you have any questions or need assistance with anything. You can contact us here or call (224)662-4544.
Yours truly,
Senator Darby Hills