John Greenfield
In addition to editing Streetsblog Chicago, John writes the transportation column for the Chicago Reader weekly paper. A Chicagoan since 1989, he enjoys exploring the city on foot, bike, bus, and 'L' train.
Recent Posts
Eyes on the Street: Concrete protected bike lanes on Campbell in North Center
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Was putting concrete protection on a low-traffic side street a boondoggle, as some folks have argued, or is this a good project?
Scary high-speed, 4-lane stretch of Clark in Edgewater is getting protected bike lanes
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The project, which involves relocating much of the on-street parking, will also make Clark safer and more pleasant to walk on.
Today’s Headlines for Friday, July 23
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Sun-Times endorses redevelopment plan for Michael Reese, including new 27th St. Metra stop Chicago’s transit recovery is going better than peer cities like NYC, D.C. (CBS) Man driving Jeep hits another Jeep under Lake ‘L’, sending it crashing into supports, then shoots its driver (CBS) Truck driver crashes, spills gravel on 2 lanes of Bishop […]
CDOT promises new strategic plan will center equity, help fight intergenerational poverty
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During the last decade, we've seen a number of of CDOT plans that only saw a fraction of the strategies actually implemented. Here's hoping that the Strategic Plan for Transportation will be different.
R.I.P. former Lakeview alderman Bernie Hansen, a legendary bikeway obstructionist
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Despite his redeeming qualities, Hansen will be remembered as Chicago's second-least-bike-friendly alderman named Bernard.
Bike/train crash death of Darryl Len Pruitt, 60, raises Metra crossing safety issues
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It was the latest in a series of tragic incidents involving people illegally crossing Metra gates, raising questions about what the commuter railroad can do to improve safety at crossings.
Off-duty cop who reportedly ran stop sign, killing boy on bike, issued citation
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While the police union president said "any person could be in [the driver's] shoes," witnesses tell a different story.
The CTA touts a ridership rebound with 56% increase since start of 2021
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Since May 1, overall ridership has increased by than 20 percent, and in June, weekday average ridership was more than 600,000, over double the ridership during the darkest days of COVID-19.
CDOT: Direct State/Lake – Red transfer was “impossible,” but wheelchair access will improve
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The project includes two new elevators that will make the wheelchair transfer more convenient than it otherwise would be.
If you want a safer transit system, support better mental health services
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Providing all citizens with adequate mental health support is crucial for creating a safer, more peaceful city.
Armed guards aren’t the answer for reducing CTA violence, transit ambassadors are
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While it's understandable that the transit union is pushing for adding armed guards on the CTA, it appears the the conversation should really be about introducing unarmed outreach personnel.
Should we advocate for a better DSD by pushing “realistic” changes, or a moonshot?
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Is advocating for bus-only lanes on DSD, rather than half-sizing the highway, a realistic goal, or "simping for the status quo"?