Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Pandemic

Elements gift shop, located next to a bus stop and a bikeway, and a four-minute walk from the 'L'. Image: Google Maps

Car-free streets have helped restaurants — don’t blame them for poor sales at your gift shop

By John Greenfield | Dec 8, 2020 | No Comments

We should have sympathy for merchants who are struggling. But when they blame car-free streets for their financial woes, it's best to take that with a grain of salt.

Public transportation has been a lifeline for Chicagoans during the challenges of COVID-19. Photo: John Greenfield

Active Transportation Alliance looked back at a tumultuous year during its annual meeting

By Sharon Hoyer | Dec 7, 2020 | No Comments

Awardees included transportation professionals and advocates Romina Castillo, Pha'Tal Perkins, and Wharton Sinkler.

Cycling is a great way to maintain physical and mental health during the colder months, and it's easier than it looks. Photo: John Greenfield

Make biking part of your plan to take on the challenges of a COVID-19 winter

By John Greenfield | Dec 2, 2020 | No Comments

Cold-weather cycling is just one of the options for infectious disease expert-approved cold-weather fun available.

Waiting beneath overhead heaters on the Wilson platform. Photo: John Greenfield

How can CTA riders stay warm while maintaining social distance?

By Courtney Cobbs | Nov 22, 2020 | No Comments

Rather than crowding below outdoor platform heaters, tCTA recommends waiting in stationhouses, and using online tools to track arrivals. The agency also discussed the issue of homeless people sheltering on transit.

The South Shore Line platform at Millennium Station while the Mask Optional Train policy was in effect. Photo: John Greenfield

South Shore Line president explains why the railroad finally got rid of COVID-denier cars

By John Greenfield | Nov 18, 2020 | No Comments

According to NICTD chief Mike Noland, the updated Indiana executive order provided the teeth needed to enforce the mask requirement.

A friendly reminder (bowdlerized for publication) by the Brown Line. Photo: Raed Masour

Mask asks: Facial coverings policy for CTA drivers; South Shore drops COVID-denier cars

By John Greenfield | Nov 17, 2020 | No Comments

Here's what the CTA had to say about non-compliant CTA bus operators. Meanwhile, South Shore has ended its ill-conceived Mask Optional Car policy.

October survey results. Driving a car is still the most popular way for CLA survey respondents to get to work, but it's down from last month.

Loop Alliance October report shows decreased parking, increased CTA commuting

By Sharon Hoyer | Nov 12, 2020 | No Comments

Parking rates dipped from 80 percent down to 60 percent, and of the 54 survey respondents, almost 40 percent said they were using CTA trains or buses to get to work.

A dining tent on Southport Avenue in Lakeview. While residents are urged to never host non-household members, even in their backyards, it's still legal to drink at bars, many of which feature poorly ventilated shelters. Photo: John Greenfield

Here’s a smarter approach to Lightfoot’s self-contradictory Stay at Home advisory

By John Greenfield | Nov 12, 2020 | No Comments

Instead of telling residents to stay home except for essential trips and never hang out with friends, while keeping gyms, bars and restaurants open, the city should educate people about safe socializing and make outdoor dining and drinking safer.

The August Street Love Ride in Englewood. Photo: Cameron Bolton

Mitigating risks on group bike rides with COVID on the rise

By Sharon Hoyer | Nov 7, 2020 | No Comments

While group bike rides, even with masks and social distancing, aren't without risk during the pandemic, community activists say the benefits are worth it.

Universal Metra bicycle access via dedicated bike cars would be a game-changer

By John Greenfield | Nov 6, 2020 | No Comments

Bike cars on all trains on all lines during non-pandemic times would enable people to use bikes for first- and last-mile trips for downtown commutes.

Free mask dispensers on the CTA? Lightfoot: “We’ve done a tremendous amount already”

By John Greenfield | Nov 5, 2020 | No Comments

The mayor seems to be taking an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude. But feedback from straphangers suggests there's still room for improvement when it comes to mask compliance.

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