Streetsblog Chicago

• Ashland BRT foe Roger Romanelli got cold feet and moved his protest against the GRand Avenue Safe Streets project to yesterday, so no bike ride there today.

• "Chicago on shortlist for 2028 Democratic National Convention" (Crain's)

Update 2/26/26, noon: On Facebook, a reader commented, "I don't even see how [opposition to Safe Streets and support for Trumpism] are connected." My response: "The Archer situation is clearly an example of right-leaning organizations and politicians like Urban Center and Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) taking advantage of (understandable) discontent over a Complete Streets project to try to win a sympathetic City Council seat. We're trying to shine light on this problematic strategy before it becomes a citywide issue, which would have a negative impact on politics, as well as traffic safety." 

Plus a walk down Archer is a reminder that utility line construction is a major factor in the traffic congestion that Safe Street opponents are solely blaming on bike lanes.

• Man fatally struck by Metra BNSF train today around 7 AM near Westmont Station (Daily Herald)

• "Chicagoans, Local Leaders Say ICE 'Must Be Abolished' After Killing Of Minneapolis Nurse Alex Pretti," taking over Loop streets (Block Club)

• "RTA Board approves 2026 Regional Operating Budget and Capital Program with no fare increases or service cuts for riders"

• "CTA State/Lake Station Will Be Demolished in January, Gleaming Replacement to Open in 2029" (WTTW)

Plus a discussion of the problem all-season cyclists loves to hate: Protected lanes not being promptly cleared after snowstorms