P-Street on Milwaukee Could Help Empty Lots Develop Into Walkable Places
Alderman Proco "Joe" Moreno of the 1st Ward has introduced an ordinance that would zone Milwaukee Avenue between Sacramento Avenue and Rockwell Street/Francis Place as a Pedestrian Street, or P-Street, which could help ensure that future development is walkable and pedestrian-friendly.
April 10, 2013
More Parking Around Wrigley Will Only Bring More Traffic
The Cubs are expected to announce a deal with Alderman Tom Tunney of the 44th Ward later today that would add a large parking garage and a hotel to the area near Wrigley Field, as well as modifications to the stadium itself. The Chicago Tribune reported yesterday that "the Cubs have agreed to create extra parking in Wrigleyville" with up to 500 spaces on what is currently a gravel lot at Clark and Grace Streets.
April 8, 2013
Goodbye North Avenue Parking Controls. Hello Bike Lanes?
Rush hour parking controls, which ban parking on one side of a street during the morning and evening rush so more traffic can flow in the peak direction, are incompatible with most if not all types of bike lanes.
April 5, 2013
The Bloomingdale Ain’t No High Line — It’s Going to Be So Much Better
The High Line in New York City has been lauded for transforming abandoned freight rail tracks into an elevated walking path and park on the west side of Manhattan, but The Bloomingdale (formerly known as Bloomingdale Trail) will be even better. This is simply because the High Line acts as a tourist attraction, while The Bloomingdale will serve as a neighborhood park in areas that sorely need more green space, and a very useful car-free transportation link for people walking and biking.
April 3, 2013
IDOT Failed to Inform People of Highway Ramp That Will Roar By Their Home
The Circle Interchange expansion project that the Illinois Department of Transportation has crammed into the regional planning process is projected to increase pollution and decrease transit ridership, but no one has more reason to be opposed to the project than the 57 families who live at 400 South Green.
April 2, 2013
Willis Tower Shows Off City’s First Bike Valet for Office Workers
According to researcher Ralph Buehler, having a place to park your bike at work nearly doubles the chances that you'll commute by bike. But in downtown Chicago workplaces, secure bike parking is a rare commodity, so let's hope we see some copycats of the new bike valet at Willis Tower.
March 29, 2013
Show Your Support for Sustainable Transportation Projects in Four Wards
Chicago’s participatory budgeting movement has exciting potential to democratize the way city money is spent, which could lead to innovative walking, biking and transit improvements. First pioneered in 1989 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, participatory budgeting allows citizens to recommend projects for public funding and then vote on how the cash is spent.
March 27, 2013
CDOT and Taxi Regulator to Post Dooring Awareness Decals in Cab Windows
Chicago's taxi regulator, Rosemary Krimbel, the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection commissioner, revealed on Twitter this Sunday that her department is teaming up with the Chicago Department of Transportation to build awareness that people opening car doors need to look out for passing cyclists. Based on a simple reminder -- "LOOK" -- this city-led anti-dooring effort will join a grassroots campaign launched in early March.
March 26, 2013
Strap This Device to Your Bike and Measure the Air Quality of Your Ride
One aspect people like about the Chicago Crash Browser is looking up crashes along the route they bike to see if there are areas that should be avoided. What if you could also avoid routes that have high pollution, are especially noisy, or lack good street lighting?
March 22, 2013