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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

Brian Comer

43rd Ward hopeful Brian Comer concern trolls Dickens Greenway during debate

By John Greenfield | Mar 20, 2023 | No Comments
Former 43rd Ward chief of staff Erik Wallenius scoffed at Comer's current opposition to the greenway, suggesting it's motivated by politics rather than safety concerns.
Looking southeast on Lincoln at Belmont in August 2022. The "No Left Turn" signs for southeast-bound and eastbound traffic are visible. Image: Google Maps

Driver making illegal left at Belmont/Ashland/Lincoln struck and injured woman, 39, and fled

By John Greenfield | Mar 20, 2023 | No Comments
A safety upgrade project is planned for this wide, complex, dangerous six-way intersection, which might have made a difference in this case.
The potential greenway route and existing nearby trails. Image: Steven Vance

You love to see it: Rte. 53 extension proposal gets turned into a greenway project instead

By John Greenfield | Mar 16, 2023 | No Comments
While it may be a few years until the greenway project gets off the ground, it's certainly a fantastic outcome that instead of being filled by cars, trucks, and pollution, the corridor will be used by pedestrians, bike riders, and wildlife. 
Active Transportation Alliance's W. Robert Schultz, III speaks at the pres conference before the meeting. Photo: ATA

At state hearing, transit advocates call for addressing fiscal cliff, Carter is a no-show

By John Greenfield | Mar 16, 2023 | No Comments
Many important public transportation topics were covered at the hearing. It's a shame that the region's most prominent transit leader Dorval Carter chose to ghost it.
A driver stopped last night in a Logan Boulevard bike lane. (We've blurred the plate number.) Photo: John Greenfield

Smart Streets, Complete Streets ordinances pass; Plow the Sidewalks introduced

By John Greenfield | Mar 15, 2023 | No Comments
Today's City Council meeting was very eventful from a livable streets perspective, with four different walk/bike/transit ordinances passed or introduced.
Riding the Amtrak Coast Starlight train past Emma Wood State Beach, north of Ventura, California. Photo: John Greenfield

California trainin’: A Chicagoan checks out transportation in the Golden State

By John Greenfield | Mar 13, 2023 | No Comments
Here's a show-and-tell of my impressions of the walk/bike/transit stuff I experienced, including a few things I'd be glad to see implemented in Chicago.
The TV crew's catering tents in the Dearborn bike lane. Photo: Pete Snyder

Video killed the bicycle lane: Advocates, officials intervene after TV crew blocks PBL

By John Greenfield | Mar 10, 2023 | No Comments
People biking to or from Loop Thursday morning on the Dearborn Avenue two-way protected bike lane, downtown's busiest bikeway, had a nasty surprise.
The South Red Line in Englewood. Photo: John Greenfield

It’s getting real: Biden budget proposal earmarks $350M for $3.6B south Red Line extension

By John Greenfield | Mar 10, 2023 | No Comments
Yesterday the administration began to make good on its promise to help fund the RLE including a request for $350 million in Biden’s fiscal year 2024 discretionary funding request.
A few nights ago, security gates blocked several of the turnstiles at the O'Hare Blue Line stop, and police were asking people leaving the station for proof they belonged at the airport. A personal mobility device is parked in front of one of the turnstiles. Photo: Hank Searus

Police now require ‘L riders to show proof of airport business to exit ORD station late at night

By John Greenfield | Mar 9, 2023 | No Comments
While the sight of unhoused people sleeping on floors in the airport didn't provide a great first impression of our city to visitors, neither do steel security gates and a heavy police presence at a transit station.
Vallas and Johnson at tonight's debate. Image: NBC Chicago

Asked about CTA at debate, Johnson focuses on reliability, Vallas calls for more cops

By John Greenfield | Mar 8, 2023 | No Comments
Johnson's response mostly focused on strategies to make transit operate more efficiently, while Vallas said "Public safety is the overriding issue."
The intersection of Irving Park Road and Hermitage Avenue in North Center. The median currently has a sloping “mountable curb” with rumble strips to accommodate truck turns. New legislation would give municipalities more flexibility to install pedestrian safety infrastructure without having to make room for turns by the drivers of 65-foot trucks. Image: Google Maps

Here’s an update on several state bills for safer streets

By John Greenfield | Mar 8, 2023 | No Comments
There's a ton of proposed livable streets legislation in play at the state level right now. Here's a quick roundup.
The Sheridan Red Line station, which lacks elevators. Photo: John Greenfield

Meetings announced for next RPM phases, to make North Red, Purple lines 100% accessible

By John Greenfield | Mar 6, 2023 | No Comments
Last week there was a light in the (subway) tunnel in terms of making the remaining non-accessible North Side Red and Purple stations ADA-compliant.
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