1st Ward

Yesterday I discussed the brouhaha over a proposal to extend the two-way protected bike lane on Evanston's Chicago Avenue south about two miles to the city of Chicago border. A total of 62 merchants and "avid cyclists" signed two different letters opposing the new bikeway because it would involve converting 66 of the corridor's 250 car parking spaces – only about a quarter of them. However, more than 250 business people and residents have signed another letter from the Evanston Transit Alliance in favor of the initiative.

The committee also approved a pilot to let citizens report parking and standing violations in bus and bike lanes to 311, with tickets being sent to repeat offenders.

If less than 3% of vehicle operators on the corridor rode bikes or scooters, I would tweet that out. If 3% or more did, A.J. Manaseer would donate $1,000 to bike education programs.

They also talked about the local Participatory Budgeting election, and other efforts to create safer streets on the Near Northwest Side.

Unsurprisingly, some folks who who drive aren't happy with the changes, which make it harder to illegally park or travel dangerously fast.

Chicago needs street layouts that force motorists to drive safely. And the CPD needs to bring the driver who grievously harmed Nakari to justice.