Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Hit-and-Run Fatalities

34th Street in Queens is one of several New York City roadways that is being opened for car-free recreation. Photo: Shekar Krishnan via Twitter

Database documents cities that are repurposing car space during the pandemic

By Steven Vance | Mar 29, 2020 | No Comments

During the global pandemic, cities around the world are recognizing it makes sense to take road space that is usually used for moving and storing cars and instead give it to people. They’re reallocating the right-of-way from travel lanes and parking to create emergency bikeways for essential workers, and open space where residents can safely […]

The Low-Stress Lakefront Pandemic Cycling Route

By John Greenfield | Mar 28, 2020 | No Comments

As long as the entire Lakefront Trail is closed due to crowding concerns, rather than cursing the darkness, let's light a candle with this alternative route.

North Center sidewalk chalk drawing. Photo: Kirsten Lambert

Chicagoans use tactical urbanism to cheer each other up during the pandemic

By Kirsten Lambert | Mar 27, 2020 | No Comments

Shamrocks and teddy bears in windows, window singing, and street dancing are helping to lift people's spirits during this challenging time.

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Today’s Headlines for Friday

By John Greenfield | Mar 27, 2020 | No Comments

Schmich and Kamin applaud the closure of the lakefront, riverwalk, and 606 (Tribune) Former Anti-bike colomnist Mark Konkol blames “Lakefront Liberals” for closure (Patch) SBC’s Courtney Cobbs discusses the need to open up streets for socially-distanced recreation (WTTW) The North Branch Trail is still open (for the moment) (The Chainlink) Transit union says social distancing […]

A South Shore Line train in Michigan City, Indiana. Photo: Jeff Zoline

With ridership steeply dropping, Metra, Pace, and South Shore have pared down schedules

By Igor Studenkov | Mar 27, 2020 | No Comments

Times are tough for local transit systems but their doing their best to cope.

Residents attempting to practice social distancing on The 606 yesterday. Photo: Michael Burton

Closing trails during pandemic, without opening streets, is misguided and inequitable

By John Greenfield | Mar 26, 2020 | No Comments

If the closures are going remain in effect, the mayor should at least follow New York's lead by creating more space for safe, socially-distanced recreation elsewhere.

Critical Mass rules! But please don't do it tomorrow. Photo: John Greenfield

Please don’t ride in Critical Mass tomorrow. Do your own #CoronaMass instead.

By John Greenfield | Mar 26, 2020 | No Comments

Instead of doing the group ride, take a solo excursion or ride with household members or a friend or two, and share photos on social media with the hashtag #CoronaMass.

Today’s Headlines for Thursday, March 26

By John Greenfield | Mar 26, 2020 | No Comments

Transit is getting a bailout from stimulus package, but more funds will be needed (Sun-Times) Cops shooed park users off the Lakefront Trail yesterday (Block Club) Police officers fenced off the trail early this morning (Block Club) Active Trans comes out against closure of trails during pandemic Some CTA bus lines are still dangerously crowded […]

If crowding on the Lakefront Trail gets worse, this may become the only way to practice social distancing. (Note that this method won't protect you from gangsters and angry luchadores.) Image: Jonathan Roth

Chicago’s lack of car-free streets is creating unsafe crowding on trails during the pandemic

By John Greenfield | Mar 25, 2020 | No Comments

To help Chicagoans to travel and recreate safely, without being exposed to the virus or dangerous drivers, let's create a citywide network of car-free major streets.

An Open Streets car-free event on Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park in 2013. Photo: John Greenfield

Let’s respond to coronavirus and climate change with car-free streets, bus and bike lanes

By Courtney Cobbs | Mar 25, 2020 | No Comments

Creating more car-free streets for safe transportation and recreation during the current pandemic crisis would also address the longterm challenge of climate change.