Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Policy & Planning

Cutting the ribbon on the new 119th Street protected bike lanes. Left to right: Randy Newfeld and Brandon Goodall from SRAM; Bobby Berry from Friends of the Major Taylor Trail; Biagi, Austen, Taylor; Paul Fitzgerald from Friends of Big Marsh; Rynell. Photo: John Greenfield

CDOT announces major bikeway push, still no plans for a cohesive protected network

By John Greenfield | Sep 22, 2021 | No Comments

Obstruction from aldermen, plus an emphasis on quantity over quality, means this plan isn't going to result in the cohesive, citywide protected bikeway network we need.

A Metra Electric District train on 79th Street in South Shore. Unlike the MED, most Metra lines are diesel-powered. Photo: John Greenfield

Civic and environmental groups call on Metra to get going on zero emissions fleet

By Courtney Cobbs | Sep 21, 2021 | No Comments

At Metra’s monthly board meeting, a coalition of twenty nine civic and environmental organizations urged Metra, Chicagoland’s commuter rail organization, to start testing zero-emissions technology.

The ride heads east on Montrose at Albany. Photo: Imelda March

Campaign Raleigh: Ald. Rodriguez-Sanchez hosts a bike ride as a political fundraiser

By Imelda March | Sep 20, 2021 | No Comments

A trend we'd like to see: fewer Chicago politicians raising money through fancy galas or golf outings, and more doing it via community bike rides.

The proposed development at 8535 W. Higgins Rd. would include 59 affordable units.

How much affordable housing is Chicago willing to sacrifice to aldermanic prerogative?

By Richard Day | Sep 17, 2021 | No Comments

In the coming months, the City Council’s Zoning Committee has the chance to weigh in on a proposal that could change the future of affordable housing in Chicago.

CTA buses near Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue. Photo: John Greenfield

Deep discounts on CTA fare passes have helped fuel pandemic ridership recovery

By John Greenfield | Sep 15, 2021 | No Comments

The agency is crediting the sale with spurring a nearly 70 percent increase in average ridership among pass users.

Independence Boulevard before and after protected bike lanes were downgraded to buffered lanes. Images: John Greenfield, Google Maps

Driver killed cyclist Jason Hardt, 48, on road where protected bike lanes were removed

By John Greenfield | Sep 15, 2021 | No Comments

When safe bike infrastructure is downgraded or delayed, it can have deadly consequences.

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