Tactical Urbanism
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“SBC versus smoking on the CTA” part five: Posting pizza-themed PSAs against puffing on the ‘L’ at every Blue stop provided a slice of Windy City life
It's time for the fifth installment of our series "Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA." This is an effort to find holistic solutions (not simply more policing) to the aggravating problem of smoking and vaping inside railcars. Take a look at part one for an intro to my perspective on the issue. It's common knowledge that smoking on the 'L' is a major hazard for people with disabilities, seniors, and young kids. It's also unhealthy and annoying for the rest of us, and it causes people to instead choose modes like driving and ride-hail, contributing to crashes, pollution, and congestion.
March 21, 2026
At a Tactical Urbanism Visioning Session, Strong Towns Chicago members discussed an idea for DIY bus benches
In 2008, former transportation engineer Chuck Marohn founded the Strong Towns organization as an effort to make American cities more walk/bike/transit -friendly and fiscally sound. Nowadays, our city has a local branch of the movement, Strong Towns Chicago.
January 17, 2025
Chicagoans use tactical urbanism to cheer each other up during the pandemic
Shamrocks and teddy bears in windows, window singing, and street dancing are helping to lift people's spirits during this challenging time.
March 27, 2020
Toronto Neighbors Calm Street Using Only Leaves and Chalk
The "leafy neckdown" revealed 2,000 square feet of excess asphalt.
December 1, 2017
After Boston’s Mayor Blames Crash Victims, Pop-Up Comics Push for Better Bike Lanes
Boston's latest do-it-yourself bike lane intervention might seem a bit sketchy -- because it uses comics to prod City Hall for needed safety improvements.
May 23, 2017
Eyes on the Street: Tactical Urbanism Blooms on Broadway
Last month when the city put up signs banning right turns from northbound Halsted onto southbound Broadway at Grace, eliminating a slip lane, the intersection became little safer. Thanks to what appears to be a guerrilla intervention by an unknown party, the site also became a little prettier.
April 21, 2016
Orange Dots and Balloons Jazz Up the Sunnyside Pedestrian Mall
First built in 1975, the Sunnyside Pedestrian Mall is a leafy, car-free walkway that runs for two blocks between Beacon Street and Magnolia Avenue in Uptown’s Sheridan Park section. With its benches, plantings, and mosaic-covered pillars, it should be a popular place for all kinds of positive activity, along the lines of Lincoln Square’s Kempf Plaza.
August 28, 2015