Story posted Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Ride Around The Block
Mayor Marty Moylan has made his bike rides a daily routine.
Mayor Moylan's Bike Rides Help To Clean Up City Streets
By TODD WESSELL Journal & Topics Editor
Since before becoming mayor of Des Plaines in early May, Marty Moylan has spent most of his mornings riding his bicycle, weather permitting.
The purpose of his frequent journeys through local neighborhoods and commercial areas isn't entirely for pleasure. Much of it is part of the business of being mayor.
Moylan says his bike trips have led to the cleaning up of several sections of the downtown area where litter tends to pile up. When he spots unsightly conditions, Moylan says he stops his bike and talks to the business owners asking them to keep the areas around their locations clean and pleasant for customers and pedestrians. If he spots other potential problems, such as building code violations or other matters he feels needs city attention, he'll make notes on a small pad of paper he carries in his rear pocket. Those notations will be forwarded to City Manager Jason Bajor for follow-up. Helping with the improvement effort, said Moylan, is 1st ward Ald. Pat Haugeberg and members of the city's public works department.
"I ride my bike almost every day either early in the morning or after work," Moylan explained. "I've noticed that more and more residents are riding their bikes downtown. It's a good way to get exercise and to see what's happening." He said he began his regular morning bike trips while serving as 2d ward alderman before becoming mayor.
Moylan said through his, Haugeberg's and the city staff's efforts, downtown is looking better than ever. Areas that once were frequently strewn with litter are now litter free. He noted the block long area along Ellinwood Street between Graceland Avenue and Lee Street as one example where diligence has paid off.
Among the duties of public works is to empty overflowing downtown garbage cans and cleaning sidewalks.
"I plan on doing this throughout my term as mayor," said Moylan. "Things look really neat now."
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