Brenna Conway

When participants at Tuesday night’s Streetside Workshop on how to improve Clark Street from North to Dickens avenues were asked to identify which transportation mode currently dominates Clark, the answer was obvious: cars. The seminar, organized by the grassroots group Bike Walk Lincoln Park, the Active Transportation Alliance, and 43rd Ward Alderman Michele Smith, took place at the intersection of Clark and Menomonee. The goal was to brainstorm ideas for transforming Clark from a wide, intimidating roadway to a complete street that safely accommodates pedestrians, cyclists and transit users, not just drivers.

Earlier this week, even the most skeptical local reporters were in agreement that the CTA has done a solid job of getting the word out about the south Red Line reconstruction project and arranging alternative service. Since the five-month shutdown began last Sunday, South Siders quoted in the press have generally said they’re satisfied with the current arrangement, which includes free shuttles between the closed Red stations and the Green Garfield stop, as well as free ‘L’ rides from Garfield. Red Line Ambassadors at the stations have proved helpful for shepherding riders to where they need to go.