Sustainable Transportation Advocacy

On much of the project area, posts, paint and new curbs haven't been added yet to help keep drivers – such as the protesters – out of the future curbside bikeways.

• Steven Lucy: Ald. Hopkins' bikeway vote be based less on worries about getting an angry call from businesses but from bereaved parents. (Sun-Times)

Here's the fourth installment of our series "Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA." This is our campaign for "carrot" rather than "stick" strategies (not simply more policing) to reduce smoking and vaping in 'L' cars. Take a look at part one for an intro to my thoughts on this subject and the approach I'm taking. But to recap, it can be dangerous for people with disabilities, senior citizens, and young kids to inhale smoke in enclosed spaces, and it's unhealthy and aggravating for the rest of us. And ultimately, smoking on trains can make trips feel unsafe and unpleasant, causing people to avoid transit.

•Person hit and killed by Blue Line Train downtown (CBS)

• More coverage of Lopez, Quinn, and Dowell's gripes about Complete Streets projects (Center Square)

All photos are by James Porter.

• "Sen. Ram Villivalam introduced SB3285 yesterday... Sets forth intercity passenger rail routes serving or originating in the State." (CapitolFax)

News at a recent meeting on the Evanston Bike Plan included a current completion target of mid-to-late 2029 for the long-awaited Chicago Avenue protected lane extension.

• Chicago Memorial & Protest Ride for Alex Pretti meeting Saturday 1/31 at 1:15 PM at Walsh Park, 1722 N. Ashland (E. end of 606), departing 1:30 (Bike Grid)