Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about State Policy

Test-riding e-bikes at an event hosted by Earth Rider Cycling in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. Photo: Sharon Kaminecki

Ride Illinois and ATA launch campaign for a statewide e-bike incentive program

By Cameron Bolton | Jan 24, 2023 | No Comments

E-bikes could make cycling more practical and appealing to a much wider demographic, but as it stands the higher cost discourages some people from using them.

Irving Park and Hermitage, looking east. This intersection will get a new crosswalk, curb extensions, and flashing warning beacons. Image: Google Maps

Ald. Martin announces ped upgrades on Irving Park, after IDOT stopped obstructing them

By John Greenfield | Jan 22, 2023 | No Comments

Improvements include new crosswalks, ped islands, curb extensions, and/or warning beacons at six intersections, including the one where ward volunteer Peter Paquette was killed.

A rare example of police enforcing a downtown bike lane, at Washington and State streets. Photo: John Greenfield

Will Smart Streets Pilots Ordinance give bike and bus lane enforcement some teeth?

By John Greenfield | Jan 19, 2023 | No Comments

The legislation sounds like a step in the right direction, so Streetsblog will closely follow the progress of the ordinance to help ensure that it doesn't get killed by motor-headed Council members.

Peter Paquette and his wife JoAnn. Peter was fatally struck last June on Irving Park Road, where IDOT blocked pedestrian safety infrastructure.

It shouldn’t take high-profile traffic deaths to make IDOT stop blocking safety infrastructure

By John Greenfield | Jan 18, 2023 | No Comments

Yesterday IDOT reached an agreement with CDOT that essentially means the state will stop vetoing proposals for safety improvements at the intersections of state- and city-controlled roadways.

Rebecca Resman speaks at the Safe Streets for All rally last June, in repsonse to the traffic violence deaths of Rafi Cardenas and Lily Shambrook. Photo: Eric Allix Rogers

Safe Streets for All coalition pushes for “transit that works,” hopes to influence elections

By Sharon Hoyer | Jan 10, 2023 | No Comments

In response to last summer's traffic violence epidemic, advocates formed the Safe Streets for All Coalition, amplifying the call for improved safety, transportation equity, affordable housing, and climate action.

What would the late Mayor Jane Byrne (the one on the right) think of all this? Photo: Steve Kagan via @Chicago_History

Sick Byrne! Twitter account for the $800M+ interchange expansion gets brutally ratioed

By John Greenfield | Dec 21, 2022 | No Comments

Maybe IDOT will think twice next time before telling Chicagoans to "move over" to make way for cars.

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