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
Connie Mangrum, 52, Killed in Possibly Intentional Hit-and-Run Crash in Englewood
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A hit-and-run van driver fatally struck Connie Mangrum, 52, Thursday morning as she walked in Englewood. Witnesses said the crash appeared to be intentional. According to police, at about 11:15 a.m. Mangrum was walking with Javonte Kirkland, 19, on the 5600 block of South Racine when the driver of a silver van, possibly a Dodge […]
2019 CTA Budget Avoids Hikes and Cuts, But Lack of State Funding Is Still a Problem
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CTA president Dorval Carter, Jr. warned that without more state funding, higher fares and less service is likely in the future.
CTA Documents: Loop Link Has Yielded Only Minor Speed Gains
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While Loop Link was supposed to double bus speeds, that hasn't happened, partly due the lack of prepaid boarding and lane enforcement. But that doesn't mean the project is a failure.
Mary Mitchell Wrote a Powerful Defense of Red Light Cameras
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The death of five-year-old Daniela Chavez, and injury of seven other people, including five children, last Sunday morning at 43rd and Western was a stark case of a tragedy caused by a driver’s decision to disobey a red light. According to authorities, at about 10:25 a.m. the driver of a Ford Focus ran the light […]
Eyes on the Street: Mixed Messages on the Riverwalk
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While signs and markings on the Lakefront Trail lead cyclists to the riverwalk, signs at the promenade warn that they'll be prosecuted if they ride there, even though it's still legal to do so.
Bike Walk Fund Campaigns Could Bring More Safety Projects to Underserved Areas
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Active Trans is calling for $20 million to be earmarked in Chicago's budget each year, and $50 million in the Illinois budget annually, to fund bike and pedestrian projects, prioritizing underserved areas.
Ghost Bike Installation Planned for Fallen Cyclist Raul Ortiz-Gomez on October 20
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Ortiz was struck and killed by an Uber Driver in West Town as he was biking to work last June.
Despite Inaccurate Numbers, Bicycling Magazine’s Demotion of Chicago Is On-Point
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While the magazine's figures for our city's current bikeway mileage are off, ranking Chicago in sixth place is more realistic than our top ranking in 2016.
The City Has Posted Signs Threatening Prosecution for Biking on Riverwalk
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Unless Alderman Reilly's proposed ordinance passes, which hasn't happened yet, you have every right to ride your bike (courteously, of course) on the riverwalk.
Active Trans Blasts CMAP’s ON TO 2050: “Car-Centric Planning in a New Mobility Veneer”
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The transportation advocacy group slammed CMAP's endorsement of proposals to widen local expressways and decision to make dedicated biking and walking projects ineligible for $40 million dollars in annual federal funding.
Eyes on the Street: The Roscoe and School/Aldine Greenways Are Ready to Ride
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The new greenways feature an unusual raised bike lane section, pedestrian improvements, and some walk signals that are accessible to people with visual impairments.
Another Case of Brutality Against a Bicyclist in West Town
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After courier Brian Bauer caught up with a motorist who tried to run him off the road to hold him accountable, the driver gave him a vicious beat-down.