bike blog

Deadly streets

Thu, 08 May 2008 15:33:35 GMT

This has been a tragic week for Chicago pedestrians:

Friday May 2: Archie Eades, age 86, died from injuries sustained in an earlier crash.

In a separate crash, a car plowed into three pedestrians near Midway. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, but five people were hospitalized.

Sunday May 4: John Barnes, age 36, was killed in a hit-and-run crash. Reports indicate that the driver was drunk.

Monday May 5: Joseph Richardson, age 39, was killed while walking with his 4-year-old daughter when an out-of-control vehicle jumped the curb and struck them. Joseph’s daughter is hospitalized in serious condition. Reports indicate that the driver was drunk.

Tuesday May 6: Anca Ramiceanu, age 62, was killed while walking in a crosswalk when a driver of a U-Haul ran a red light. The occupants of the U-Haul fled the scene on foot — another fatal hit-and-run.

On that same day, six pedestrians were hospitalized after being hit by a beige sedan that fled the scene. The victims of this hit-and-run were two infants, two toddlers, the 30-year-old mother of two of the children and an adult male.

I am appalled and saddened by these crashes and the needless loss of life. I am disgusted that so many families are struggling to make sense out of these tragedies. I am horrified that there are drivers who flee the scene after injuring or killing someone.

I am also angered and frustrated, because I don’t know what to do to stop these crashes. It sickens me to know that warm weather brings more of these fatalities and summer weather has just begun. In 2006 there were 46 pedestrian fatalities in Chicago – since January of 2008, Chicago has almost reached 30 pedestrian deaths and the deadliest summer months are still ahead of us.

Tragedies like these make it hard to know what to do to make our streets safe for all roadway users. The problem of deadly drivers feels insurmountable. It is certainly a problem that runs deep in our society: too many drivers consider driving a right and not a privilege; too much impatience and distraction leads to tragic lapses of judgment; too many vehicles moving too fast make pedestrians and bicyclists vulnerable; too little consideration for other people leads to the shocking number of hit-and-runs in Chicago; too many roads are designed to only accommodate vehicles and aren’t safe for pedestrians or bicyclists.

I am sure that I am not alone in my desire to do something – now – to halt what feels like an assault on pedestrians. I have some ideas, but I want to hear yours: what should we do to stem this stream of death?

As we are losing lives, are we also losing sight?

Mon, 05 May 2008 18:57:33 GMT

We recently lost two bicyclists in Logan Square due to fatal crashes. It is important to mourn the lives and remember the wonder and joy they brought to us while they were here. Too often, the headlines, the blogs, and the “sound bites” leave out the human elements. The Chicago Tribune’s article on Amanda Annis was rare – an insight into who Amanda was and the impact that she was making in Chicago. Too often, that humanity is left out of the story. Friends of Cordell Curtis, the driver of the car, are asking for his story, his impact, to be shared.

Where are the stories of Tyler Fabeck and his impact on friends, family and co-workers? We are so quick to blame someone in a crash that we bypass the feelings of those touched by the incident in ways that we can only try to imagine. What right do we have to sit by on the sidelines and cast blame, doubt, and shame? These crashes should serve to remind us that all crashes are tragedies, for all of those involved. We should reach out to offer support, prayers, and love. We should work hard to demonstrate that we care by being courteous and safe when we operate our vehicles – bicycles, cars, or otherwise.

Yes, we should, as advocates, continue to plead for motorists to slow down. Tyler and Amanda would likely still be with us if the motorists were driving at or below the speed limit. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation believes that motorists in general should bear the responsibility appropriate for their vehicles - large, heavy vehicles that can easily kill on impact a vulnerable person in traffic, such as a pedestrian, someone in a wheelchair or a bicyclist. We also know that statistics bear out the fact that when cars travel over 30 MPH, they are far more likely to cause major injuries or fatalities and when that speed drops to below 25 MPH, those numbers plummet.

The blogosphere, including our own, serves an opportunity to throw out accusations, more “sound bites”, and vent our angers and frustration. Remember that these comments also touch others, including family members, friends, and co-workers. Please don’t hide behind desks or monitors and throw out accusations, but keep comments on blogs (including this one) to comments that are concise, accurate, and not directed toward individuals. Please also remember that there are real people behind the stories who miss their loved ones, who want both justice and understanding. Let’s spend our energies making more friends, driving with care for all, and making the most out of our lives while we are here. Thank you for listening.

Crossing Guard Appreciation Day Tuesday

Fri, 02 May 2008 20:53:28 GMT

For my daily bicycle commute, I have the option to choose from several routes to get to work. Regardless of which route I choose, I end up passing by a lot of crossing guards that are helping kids get safely to school. Tuesday, May 6 is Illinois School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day so be sure to give a special �hello� and �thank you� to your local crossing guard. I�ll choose to commute in via Elston on Tuesday so I can pass by my favorite crossing guard, Lorraine, at the intersection of Sawyer and Diversey. Lorraine and I always wave to each other and she shouts out �be safe� to me as I bike by. She�s been a crossing guard for 45 years. She�s now helping grandchildren of people that she helped 45 years ago when she started out. Like the multitude of other crossing guards, Lorraine, protects the safety and health of children every day, while putting herself in danger. Aside from keeping these children safe from cars, crossing guards also ensure the option for kids to walk to school � keeping them and the environment healthy. So, to Lorraine and all the crossing guards in Illinois�we appreciate you! Thanks so much for keeping our children safe!

Punishment fitting the crime

Fri, 02 May 2008 17:29:15 GMT

The death of Amanda Annis continues to haunt the cycling community. As I learn more about her, I mourn not only her tragic death, but also that I never met her.

Below is the letter I sent to the Cook County State’s Attorney office to let them know that there is public support for tough prosecution of traffic crimes. I am sickened to realize that this is only the first letter I will send in response to one of us being killed on our streets. Please consider conveying to the State’s Attorney office your thoughts about prosecuting traffic crashes.

Honorable Richard Devine
Cook County State’s Attorney
2650 S. California
Chicago, Il. 60608
RE: Crash Date: April 30, 2008
Cordell Curtis/ Amanda Annis

Dear Honorable Devine:
On April 30, 2008, a crash occurred when a vehicle driven by Cordell Curtis struck and killed bicyclist Amanda Annis at the intersection of Armitage and Kedzie avenues. It is my understanding from news reports that Cordell Curtis was cited for reckless driving, failure to reduce speed and driving without insurance.

As a concerned bicycle advocate, I request that this case be prosecuted to the maximum allowed by law including fines and time to be served. Cyclists have the same rights as all road users to use the roadways safely. It is long past due that motorists are held responsible for their actions that result in death.

Again, I ask that when presenting this case to the judge: Demand the maximum penalty allowed. Driving is a privilege, not a right – life is too precious to treat dangerous driving as anything less than the deadly activity that it truly is.
I request that your office notify the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation about any charges filed against Mr. Curtis stemming from this horrific crash.
Sincerely,
Sherry Daun, Esq.
Director of Advocacy
Chicagoland Bicycle Federation

Kedzie and Armitage: Home sweet home?

Thu, 01 May 2008 19:24:35 GMT

Kedzie and Armitage is an intersection I know very well. It’s a typical Chicago neighborhood intersection with local businesses on every corner. I frequent all of them — I’m a regular at the Streetside, I take my clothes to New Kedzie dry cleaners, I even rent movies from Hi-Fi Video, a place that puts Ghostbusters in the “new releases” section. When people ask me where I live, I tell them “Kedzie and Armitage.” It’s my neighborhood.

It’s understandable that I get shaken up when a cyclist dies at that intersection. My friends bike through that intersection to get to my house. I bike through that intersection everyday. It literally hits close to home. I remember feeling shocked last summer when a young woman, Blanca Ocasio, was fatally struck by a dump truck at Kedzie and Armitage. I feel shocked today reading the story of a 24-year-old woman cyclist who was hit and killed yesterday at the same intersection. I’m 24 years old.

My shock turns to anger when I read, “police urged city cyclists to follow all traffic signals and wear proper safety gear when riding their bikes” in the Sun-Times article about the crash. The reports don’t say if she was wearing a helmet or breaking any traffic laws.

I follow the rules of the road and I never ride my bike without a helmet. I tell my friends to do so and the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation consistently urges fellow cyclists to do the same.

But, if I were struck and killed by a car, I worry that the news articles would likely be the same. Police would scold cyclists for not following traffic laws and not wearing proper safety equipment. And I wouldn’t be able to defend myself because I would be dead.

This blame-the-victim style of reporting is prevalent in many fatal pedestrian and cyclist crash stories in cities all over the United States, but I don’t think the media is entirely to blame. The problem is much bigger and more complex than bad journalism. Crash stories are reflective of the overall attitude that the personal automobile is the superior form of transportation and other modes should have no right-of-way on public roads.

Until there is a shift from the auto-centric culture to a more balanced transportation system, I think we can expect to read the same fatal cyclist crash stories.

Gas prices hurting cycling?

Thu, 01 May 2008 19:00:55 GMT

Generally we cyclists are somewhat happy when gas prices go upward. As regular gas approaches $4/gal here in Chicagoland we see more and more people leaving their cars at home and taking to mass transit and their bicycles to get around, including to work. That�s great! People who try cycling to get to work, or to run errands, generally realize how easy and fun it is and will continue this practice, realizing all the benefits besides keeping greenbacks in their wallets. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation fought long and hard to establish regular service for passengers with bicycles on Metra trains. This effort finally paid off with a Bikes on Trains program for Metra in 2005. Metra identified which trains did not travel at capacity and then allowed bikes to fill up some of the empty space. People started to use the program and now we see not only bicyclists taking Metra trains on an occasional basis but also people incorporating trips with their bicycle on Metra trains as a regular part of their daily routine. That, however, is being threatened by two new waves of Metra commuters. Gas prices have driven Metra�s ridership to record levels. This along with an increase in ridership due to the new RTA program that allows seniors to ride for free on all mass transit in Chicagoland is gobbling up those empty spots that bicyclists have gotten used to using. The 7:35 p.m. train on the UP North line is already slated for elimination from the Bikes on Trains program due to increased ridership. It is possible that we will loose more trains in the future. Certainly we can not argue with more people taking mass transit as being a good thing for Chicagoland. On an individual level, however, we may find ourselves getting booted off some of the hard-earned spots on Metra and maybe even CTA trains when we look to take our bicycles on board. While we are not yet sure how to accommodate everyone who wants to use mass transit, including those who wish to travel with their bicycles, we do need to be aware that we might not be able to take every train we�d like with our bicycle, even if it is supposed to be available for such use. Even during the �allowed� times for bikes on trains, if there isn�t enough room for us, we can be refused service due to capacity limitations. Definitely something to watch out for as gas prices continue to go up and more people are filling up trains.

Bus Rapid Transit Video

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:01:56 GMT

See Bus Rapid Transit with Bikes in Paris by watching this video taken in the fall of 2006 by CBF's very own Randy Neufeld. The cyclist is Rob Sadowsky, CBF Executive Director.

Three new bike lanes spanning the length of the City!

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:46:55 GMT

Imagine a bike lane on Western Avenue or any other major north/south corridor that currently has a middle turn lane. This dream may soon come true with the announcement today that Chicago received $153 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to reduce downtown congestion. One of the two projects that these funds will launch is a bus rapid transit program on four corridors. This is exciting on many levels. (It’s also the silver lining to the demise of New York’s promising congestion pricing project, from which these funds were reallocated).

The concept for bus rapid transit started a few months ago when Eric Britton facilitated a discussion with the Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Department of Environment, Chicago Department of Transportation, the Clinton Foundation and other transportation advocates about what can we do in the next six months to reduce the City’s carbon footprint while encouraging active transportation. I was active in those discussions and was energized by the enthusiasm that people had for the idea. I had no idea when I talked at the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation’s Modeshift conference that we would be jumping for joy only a few months later.

This is one more sign that we are moving forward to instill a new transportation priority in Chicago that focuses on active transportation and mobility. Congratulations to Chicago and Mayor Daley.

The Chicago Tribune story spells the program out here:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-chicago-traffic-congestion-web-apr30,0,543062.story

Want more information about bus rapid transit? Look here:
http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/24/dot-announces-five-bus-rapid-transit-corridors/

Coming soon: We’ll post a video of me riding on a bus rapid route with a shared bike lane in Paris in the next day or so. See more on Paris here:
http://connectedcities.eu/guide/mobilien.html

Bus rapid transit now on Chicago's horizon

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:50:46 GMT

Is it true? Funding could go toward bus rapit transit in Chicago. Check out the Tribune's story.

"Federal and city officials announced today an ambitious plan to get more commuters out of their cars by freeing CTA buses from traffic congestion and speeding the ride to and from work in Chicago.
Lanes dedicated to buses-only will be created on four major city corridors that were not immediately identified. One could be Lake Shore Drive.

In addition, buses will make fewer stops—four to five blocks apart. Kiosks will be installed at the bus stops to enable passengers to pre-pay their fares and board quickly once the bus arrives. "

Vote With Your Feet blog

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:50:31 GMT

A new blog from John Greenfield, "Vote With Your Feet" is looking at transportation issues at a local and national level. Take a look at this week's issue — the car-free park movement. Have a good story idea for John? Drop him a line at greenfieldjohn@hotmail.com

D.C. did it; we can, too

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:17:52 GMT

Next month, Washington, D.C. will be the first U.S. city to launch a bike-sharing program.
It’s a great inspiration as Chicago works on implementing its own bike-sharing program.
It’s convenient, healthy, fast and good for the environment.
Plus, it sounds like a good deal for the city:
“Cities realize ‘they literally have to spend no money on designing, marketing or maintaining’ a bike-sharing program, said Martina Schmidt of Clear Channel Outdoor. Washington will keep the revenue generated by the program.”
Read more about D.C.’s bike sharing program here.

Liggettisms Live: An evening with legendary Phil Liggett

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:03:47 GMT

Hold on to the “skin of your shorts”; the legendary “Voice of Cycling” — Phil Liggett — is coming to Evanston.
Enjoy an evening with Phil Liggett at Liggettisms Live, a fundraiser on May 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Turin Bicycle, 1027 Davis St., Evanston, Ill. The event, hosted by Turin Bicycle, will benefit the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.
Liggettisms Live will offer a lively and intimate evening with the Tour de France cycling commentator and feature a Q&A and live auction with prizes, including
• A fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime Trek Travel package for two to the Tour de France
• Cycling jerseys signed by legendary Lance Armstrong and Andy Hampsten
• Original Christian Soto limited edition cycling photo
• Saris car bicycle rack
Tickets are $100, and 30 hardcore fans will be “dancing on their pedals” with limited $500 VIP packages. VIPs will enjoy friendly banter with Mr. Liggett during a catered, pre-party cocktail hour prior to the event.
Registration is open and space is limited. Sign up now at here.
Volunteer opportunities are available. Contact Arline Welty at (312) 427-3325, ext. 237 or arline@biketraffic.org.

Free admission to Artropolis

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:23:54 GMT

Bikers love art. And that's a fact. Bike to Artroplis and get free admission.

More information here. (PDF)

Check Your Speed

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:32:41 GMT

When I give Drive With Care presentations at community meetings, one of the top complaints from residents is the problem of speeding on residential streets. This morning I visited an elementary school and witnessed a driver speed down the street adjacent to the school, gun his engine and peel around the corner. I also see this behavior near parks and on quiet residential streets where people are walking, riding bikes, playing kickball and enjoying the warm weather. Perhaps a countermeasure for speeding on neighborhood streets could be the installation of automated speed enforcement cameras.
38th Ward Alderman Tom Allen, who is a leader in the Northwest Drive With Care Campaign, is quoted today in the Sun-Times in support of speed enforcement cameras on residential streets. You can read the whole article here.

Carbon filters

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:02:07 GMT

I try hard to reduce my carbon footprint every day of my life. I think about the choices I make and go through a “carbon filter” in deciding where to go on vacation, how to get to my son’s baseball game, what food to buy, how to redo my kitchen, and how hot does it need to get before I turn on the air conditioner. This carbon filter is important to me and important to my family.
On Tuesday evening I went to the Chicago White Sox game, and found myself asking if my carbon filter was worth it. I’m sitting there under the bright lights (non-CFL), drinking a beer out of plastic bottle, watching fire works blast out of the exploding scoreboard, and generally being inside a sea of cars. Are my choices making a difference in the midst of this? This was Earth Day, after all.
On Wednesday, I learned that the Major League Baseball league has a greening committee that is working to reduce their carbon footprint of their stadiums. They are getting a carbon filter. Included in this filter are efforts that the White Sox are making such as: “The stadium recycles all plastic and paper gathered during and after each home game; recycling bins are placed throughout the stadium. Since 1992, the White Sox and Waste Management have recycled more than 570 tons of materials, including plastic cups, office paper, aluminum cans and corrugated boxes. One of the three compactors at U.S. Cellular Field is dedicated solely to recycling items.” I know that it is not enough. I know it only makes a small tiny dent. I also know that if it wasn’t for folks like me with our own carbon filters, we wouldn’t even get these little victories.
So, I’ll keep plugging away and asking you to do the same. I’ll keep working with the regional political and business leaders to develop bigger and better carbon filters for their work. A call to action: Create your own filter for your household and for your workplace (or place of learning)!

Request the Suburban Pedestrian and Bicycle Ambassador

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:42:51 GMT

From children to adults, our new Suburban Pedestrian and Bicycle Ambassador is ready to show you how to travel as safe and comfortable as possible.

Find out more about the many educational services we can provide. Plus, request our Ambassador to visit your neighborhood group, library or park district.

Learn more at www.biketraffic.org/suburbanambassador.

Bank of America Bike the Drive scholarships available for youth

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:18:48 GMT

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is awarding 200 scholarships to ride for free in Bank of America Bike the Drive for youths who are creating change in the region. Individuals and youth groups may apply by May 9. Youths do not need to have experience with bicycles, only the drive to make Chicagoland a better place to live, work and travel. Youths can apply individually or as a group of at least 10. Every member will receive free registration to bike in the 2008 Bank of America Bike the Drive, May 25. To apply, groups must submit by May 9 a one-page letter explaining why they deserve the scholarship and how they can/want to become active in the Chicagoland bicycle community. Scholarship winners will also receive recognition on the day of Bank of America Bike the Drive. Contact Rebekah Broussard at rebekah@biketraffic.org or 312-427-3325, ext. 241 to apply or for more information.

Suburban Ambassador Parties at the Brookfield Zoo

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:45:39 GMT

This Saturday Owen Read, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation's Suburban Pededestrian and Bicycle Ambassador (and your humble correspondent), made an appearance at the Brookfield�Zoo's "Party for the Planet."� While the morning�rain kept attendance down to 4,237 (from last year's peak of over 10,000), I was�excited to�talk to�a lot of enthusiastic bikers and walkers of all ages, from all over Chicagoland.� It is really great to be at an event where everyone you talk�to is motivated to think about�environmentally responsible transportation choices.� Also, you can't beat any�party that has a dancing, singing, ecologically-minded raccoon performing right next to the Bike Safety�game!� If you would be interested in having the Suburban�Pedestrian and Bicycle Ambassador attend�your event, camp, or�school�please contact owen@biketraffic.org.

Safe Routes meet the Lansing mayor

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:25:41 GMT

This Friday, April 25 at 6:30pm, Leslie Phemister the South Suburban Safe Routes to School Coordinator will appear on Lansing�s Channel 4's Meet the Mayor Show. The Mayor of Lansing, Dan Podgorski, Jerry Vreeman, along with Leslie Phemister will be talking about Lansing�s part in the Southland Safe Routes to School Program. If you live in Lansing and have Comcast, tune in to learn more about Lansing and Southland Safe Routes to School.

What's the real story?

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:18:33 GMT

Is anyone else disturbed by the incomplete news reporting on Sunday’s fatal crash in Logan Square?

Tyler Fabeck, 22, was killed early Sunday morning in Logan Square after a Prius hit him at an intersection.

Here is a sampling of the stories:

The Sun-Times reported that the bike “came out of nowhere” and attempted to "beat the light," turning left on a yellow light in front of a Toyota Prius.

The Chicago Tribune ran a brief on the fatal crash.

WBBM’s second paragraph: Police are urge city cyclists to use caution as the weather gets warmer and more bicycles are on the streets.

Clearly more than one piece doesn’t make sense in these stories, and it is disappointing to read three sub-par reports that do a frighteningly small amount of actual reporting.

I can think of at least a half a dozen questions left unanswered.

Specifically:
How fast was the car traveling?
Was the driver under any kind of influence?
Was the driver also beating the light?
Why didn't police release the motorist's name?
The officer is right: there are more cyclists out enjoying the weather. So what about motorists’ role in keeping the roads safe for all road users?

I challenge Chicagoland’s news media to start reporting these tragic deaths in a way that answers these basic questions and accurately reflects the scenario.