Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Neighborhoods

Residents attempting to practice social distancing on The 606 yesterday. Photo: Michael Burton

Closing trails during pandemic, without opening streets, is misguided and inequitable

By John Greenfield | Mar 26, 2020 | No Comments

If the closures are going remain in effect, the mayor should at least follow New York's lead by creating more space for safe, socially-distanced recreation elsewhere.

If crowding on the Lakefront Trail gets worse, this may become the only way to practice social distancing. (Note that this method won't protect you from gangsters and angry luchadores.) Image: Jonathan Roth

Chicago’s lack of car-free streets is creating unsafe crowding on trails during the pandemic

By John Greenfield | Mar 25, 2020 | No Comments

To help Chicagoans to travel and recreate safely, without being exposed to the virus or dangerous drivers, let's create a citywide network of car-free major streets.

San Francisco mayor London Breed. Image: ABC News

San Francisco is ordering residents to “shelter in place.” All major cities should do that.

By John Greenfield | Mar 16, 2020 | No Comments

It's probably only a matter of time before Chicago does the same thing, and all other big cities should follow suit.

Report: Chicago’s dockless scooter pilot came up short on Black and Latino ridership

By Igor Studenkov | Mar 13, 2020 | No Comments

During last summer's scooter pilots, the devices got good use, but not in communities of color. A new study has recommendations on addressing that issue.

An Open Streets event on Chicago's State Street in the early 2010s. Photo: John Greenfield

We need to de-prioritize driving and create more child-friendly streets

By Courtney Cobbs | Mar 13, 2020 | No Comments

Decision-makers worry about inconveniencing motorists, but we should instead focus on making it safer to transport children without driving, and creating streets where kids can safely spend time.

A Faraday electrical-assist bike with batteries in the downtube and a front hub motor. Photo: Richard Masoner

How Can Chicago Support the e-bike Revolution?

By Courtney Cobbs | Mar 6, 2020 | No Comments

E-bikes are useful for people who need to travel long distances and those with mobility challenges, and they can help broaden the appeal of cycling. How can we help to encourage use?

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