Efforts to put together a first-ever Illinois statewide bikeway plan are underway.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking bids from companies to design the plan. The plan could mean upgraded bicycling paths across the state. IDOT officials say the plan is a major step for sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation options for Illinoisans.

The effort could create policies for state and local governments to consider bike lanes when building or improving roads. There are hundreds of miles of bike trails in Illinois but no overall plan to link or improve them.

Bicycle advocates say the plan is a positive step.