Month: June 2016

A new bill that would generate more funding for four large-scale Chicago transit infrastructure projects, without diverting tax revenues from schools, passed the Illinois House and Senate today. The original bill was introduced in January 2015, spearheaded by the Metropolitan Planning Council. It awaits Governor Bruce Rauner's signature, who is expected to sign a budget today after a year of operating the state without a budget for a year – reducing funding for transit agencies, schools, and social services.

Ah, the best paid plans. As Texas DOT considers tearing down the Pierce Elevated Freeway on the east side of downtown Houston, it's instructive to look back at what people were thinking when they made this eyesore.

When construction projects occupy sidewalks and bike lanes, many cities don't do anything to compensate -- forcing people to walk and bike in traffic or take long, unrealistic detours. But it's not that hard to put up safe, convenient alternate routes.

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We're hosting our monthly Streetsblog Chicago meetup and happy hour next Wednesday at Jaks Tap in the West Loop/UIC. Our meetups are a great opportunity to hang out and network with folks who are passionate about sustainable transportation and livable streets. Here's the skinny:

There have been far too many bicycle crashes with injuries or fatalities in northeast Illinois in recent months, especially during the past three weeks. With all of the tragic news, one bright spot has been that recent events have inspired bike riders from different walks of life to unite to honor fallen cyclists and survivors of traffic violence.

There's a lot riding on Texas DOT's $7 billion plan for downtown Houston freeways.

Here's a great example of a "virtuous cycle" in action: Center City Philadelphia has seen the number of parking spaces decline recently as population and jobs continue to rise at a healthy clip.

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