bike blog

Safety Sash�Stylish, Practical and Essential for Chicago�s Winter

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:10:42 GMT

Folks, this is a plea to make yourselves seen. It�s increasingly dark outside. So, to show off your brightest and most creative side, we are hosting a safety sash contest at its annual member meeting. We�re offering a little incentive to folks who devise some sort of reflective attachment to their person. The winner walks away with $75, the runner up with $25. I hope you�ll take up this invitation to get out the glue gun or needle. We�re trying to make this as simple and user-friendly as possible. Just show up with your entry on Nov. 17. For more information on the member meeting check out the http://www.biketraffic.org/rsvp We�re excited about seeing what you show up wearing on Nov. 17. Not feeling very creative? We�ve got a few great doorprizes that some lucky members will win in a raffle, including a great jacket from SWRVE urban bike wear. SWRVE will install reflective stripping on any of its products.

Bike to the polls

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:13:40 GMT

Tomorrow is the big day —time to exercise our right to vote. While the presidential election has consumed the most ink, airtime and keystrokes, there are many other important local races of importance, too. Several positions in many levels of government, including Congress, the Illinois General Assembly, County Commissioners & State’s Attorneys, and the Judiciary are left to the people to decide.
To learn where you should vote on November 4, find your polling place here.
Please take the time to vote tomorrow, if you haven’t participated in early voting, and cast your ballot for the best individuals and government. Besides actually voting, show your support for bikeable, walkable neighborhoods by biking or walking to the polls. The neighborhood where I live both walkable and dense with bicyclists, so I plan to spend a few extra minutes at my polling place clicking photos of my neighbors who walk or bike to cast their votes. If you capture any good images of people walking or biking to vote, I’d love to see them – sherry@biketraffic.org.
See you at the polls!

Were you there?

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:06:16 GMT

Our friends at Streetfilms made a fab video on the Oct. 5 Sunday Parkways.

That�s What We Said

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:40:03 GMT

Chicagoland Bicycle Federation planner Katie Tully testified on our behalf at the Cook County Forest Preserve District�s budget hearing yesterday at the County building in downtown Chicago. The District has been a willing and able partner on some fantastic initiatives like the Calumet-Sag Trail, the Thorn Creek Trail, and the North Branch Trail extension. Here�s what we said: The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation applauds this budget and its inclusion of important regional trail projects such as the North Branch Trail, the Calumet-Sag Trail, and the Thorn Creek Trail. But our appreciation for the Forest Preserve District�s work on these trails goes beyond just dollars for pavement. We believe we�re seeing in the Forest Preserve District and the communities along these trails an awakening to the idea that these trails are serving more than just a recreational bottom line. These trails are beginning to meet a Triple Bottom Line, serving not only for recreation and fitness, but also to restore equity in active transportation opportunities and as valuable economic development tools. The collaboration of the Forest Preserve District, particularly its planning staff, with the communities interested in pursuing a Triple Bottom Line is creating partnerships that will help many towns hard hit by disappearing industry and passed over by regional growth to create new paths toward stronger, healthier, and more sustainable communities. The regional trail connections will allow communities to provide more access to shopping, services, and jobs, to develop tourism and recreation opportunities, and to attract new development. The trail work of the Forest Preserve District is becoming integrated with not only environmental stewardship efforts, but community improvements as well. At the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, we welcome and encourage this kind of integration. Our agency won�t see the improvements in transportation and in people�s lives without the kind of partnerships between the District and communities as demonstrated by the regional trail work included in this budget. We would like to see the Forest Preserve District continue to expand its role as a partner in revitalizing communities, and as a transportation partner. As the largest trail building agency in the county, the District has a huge role to play in community efforts to connect with a higher quality of life. Our communities are increasingly including trails and trail connections in their community development and transportation planning, creating an ever larger invitation for the District to be at the table. We would particularly like to see more integration between the Cook County Highway Department, IDOT, and the Forest Preserve District. Too often, improvements in a roadway for cars creates barriers for walking and biking. Too many trail heads are unreachable by biking or walking simply because the Highway Departments and the Forest Preserve District don�t see themselves as working toward the same goal: better mobility for everyone. We strongly encourage the directors of the Cook Co. Highway Department and the Cook County Forest Preserve District to begin collaborating to meet the region�s transportation needs. The importance of trails as transportation infrastructure in our region is only going to grow. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation would be delighted to help the District and the Cook Co. Highway Department to find ways to make transportation improvements together that leave no Cook County resident behind. Thank you for allowing me to testify today.

Party with West Town Bikes

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:30:43 GMT

West Town Bikes is a community learning workshop and a stalwart force in promoting Chicago�s cycling community. This Sunday, they�re throwing a party! Come for drinks, food, music and the chance to support a great organization. When: Sunday, Nov. 2, from 5-8 p.m. Where: Tom Robinson Artist Studio, 2416 W. North Ave. (next to West Town Bikes) There is a recommended donation of $10 that will raise funds for the shop. If you are interested in helping with the event or have any questions, e-mail Sarah Miller at sarahm@westtownbikes.org

Driver wanted

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:30:35 GMT

WANTED: Driver responsible for fatal hit and run crash Early Thursday morning, a white and blue van struck a 43-year-old woman crossing the street near Chicago Ave and Pulaski. The woman did not survive the crash. The driver fled the scene and no charges have been filed as of the time of this post. When a driver leaves the scene of a crash that results in death, injury, or more than $500 in property damage, he/she commits a felony. The crash occurred at 1:35am on Thursday, October 23, 2008. If you have any information about the crash, please contact the Police Major Accident Investigation Unit at (312) 745-4521.

Less concrete! More green space!

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:45:22 GMT

Put a little green in your Saturday. Help celebrate the latest green space opening along the Bloomingdale Trail. Residents will gather from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Albany Whipple Park (1811 N. Albany) to lay sod, plant flower bulbs and clean up the area. The festive event includes refreshments and pumpkin carving for kids. The Trust for Public Land and Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail are behind this grand opening. Check out www.bloomingdaletrail.org for more information

Crash victim support group

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:10:16 GMT

Are you a victim of a crash? Come talk with other bicyclists and pedestrians who have been in a crash. The next crash support group meeting is Wednesday October 22nd at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at Berry Church, 4754 N Leavitt St. Friends and family members of those who have been killed or injured in traffic crashes are also welcome to attend. A professional psychologist who specializes in support group facilitation leads the group. Meetings are free and confidential. Berry Church is accessible by the brown line and Damen, Western, and Lawrence bus routes. If you have any questions about the group, please contact Falon Mihalic at 312 427 3325 ext. 289, or send an email to crashsupport@biketraffic.org.

Bikes take back the streets

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 23:43:45 GMT

Oak Park takes bike parking to the street!

Sunday Parkways video

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:32:37 GMT

Miss the first Sunday Parkways? Take a look at this sweet video about it. Don't miss the second one Oct 26 that spans from Garfield Park to Little Village. Thanks to Nicholas Whitaker!

Share your photos on Flickr. Tag them "chicago sunday parkways"

Chicago Sunday Parkways from Nicholas Whitaker on Vimeo.

Remember fallen bicyclists, pedestrians Sunday

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:16:33 GMT

The fifth annual Dick Herron Memorial Bike and Walk is Sunday. Come out to Lincoln Park at the North Avenue pedestrian bridge to remember bicyclists and pedestrians who have died in traffic.

Bike 15 miles along the lakefront or walk five miles through Lincoln Park. The ride is donation-based, and proceeds fund scholarships for Bike and Ride graduates.

The Chicago Tribune's Mary Schmich wrote a warm and touching story about Jane Herron experience of transforming the grief of her husband's death into something that supports and connects a community.

Tell us your story at www.biketraffic.org/herron.

Action-packed Action Plan

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:19:14 GMT

The Chicago Public Schools' Environmental Program unveiled it's strategic Action Plan at a briefing on Tuesday morning, and it is including Safe Routes to School as a method of making Chicago's schools the greenest in the country! Strategy 2.c in the Plan identifies Safe Routes to School, along with "Walking School Bus and active transportation for students, as a way of reducing CPS' contributions to climate change. This is great news for all Chicagoans who want to see fewer cars on the road each morning and afternoon, as well as everyone who wants to see our city's kids kids get more safe, responsible, and fun physical activity in their daily lives! Read the entire Environmental Action Plan. Learn more about Safe Routes to School, and the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation's Safe Routes to School programming.

Chicago bans text messaging while driving

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:13:45 GMT

Thanks to the Chicago City Council, as of next month it will be illegal to text message or browse the internet while driving. Violators will be subject to fines of $75, or $200 when involved in a crash. The council passed the ordinance on October 8, 2008. As is the truth with all laws about driving � enforcement and compliance are the key to actually making our streets safer. Even with lax enforcement, this provision will certainly be valuable to the recover efforts of someone injured by a distracted driver. Alderman Ed Burke sponsored the ordinance.

Messenger Appreciation Day tomorrow!

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:51:04 GMT

Being a bike messenger is a tough job. Our hats are off to the 300+ women and men in Chicago who make crucial deliveries every day by bicycle. This Thursday, Oct. 9, is Bike Messenger Appreciation Day and there are two cool events for messengers. Why appreciate messengers on Oct. 9? Well, 10-9 is the radio code for �please repeat� and that�s why Oct. 9 is always Bike Messenger Appreciation Day. Morning: free breakfast at the Thompson Center from 8-9 a.m. courtesy of Mayor Daley and the City of Chicago. Evening: after work happy hour at Mother Hubbard�s (State/Hubbard) where the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation will offer the first 150 messengers a free beer by showing their company ID. So, if you know any messengers, please let them know about the free events and that you appreciate their work! Ethan Spotts (formerly known as �31�)

Oak Park approves bike plan!

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:00:27 GMT

Thanks to member support, the Oak Park Village Board last night unanimously approved its first bike plan, which includes a detailed bike network and innovative safety and education programming. This 10-year plan will work to make your Oak Park a world-class bicycling community. The Village hired the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation to develop the plan. Thanks in large part to residents� input, the plan will make your community a more bikeable and livable place. Congratulations! To read the accepted plan, visit www.biketraffic.org/oakpark.

International Walk and Bike to School Day Wednesday

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:25:26 GMT

Be on the lookout for more students walking and biking to school Wednesday. Peak outside and cheer on anyone you see celebrating the international event. Chicagoland students are joining millions of students throughout the world to celebrate getting around in fun, healthy ways. Will you be joining?

First Parkways a success!

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:41:25 GMT

Thanks to everyone who came out for the first ever Sunday Parkways in Chicago! The weather and the company couldn't have been better. The smiling faces, strollers, skateboarders, cyclists, training wheels, runners, rollers and easy conversation made the day perfect. If you took photos or videos you want to post, be sure to tag them as "Sunday Parkways Chicago." Also, send them our way and we will post them. Oct 26 is the next Sunday Parkways, stretching from Garfield Park to Little Village. Look for the full route at www.biketraffic.org/sundayparkways. Want to volunteer? Email jody@biketraffic.org. Share your favorite moments here!

Pedestrian killed. No charges

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:25:48 GMT

Woman on Sidewalk Killed by Car that Jumped Curb – no charges filed.

Something is drastically, disgustingly wrong with this whole situation. A 67 year old woman is dead and the police simply shrug it off by labeling it “accident.” It is no “accident” that causes a vehicle to jump a curb onto the sidewalk. Driver error is responsible for 97% of crashes in America: driving too fast, distraction, alcohol, reaching for an object within the vehicle……

How is it possible the police arrive on the scene of a fatal crash where a vehicle is up on the curb, a woman is dead and conclude that it was an “accident”? How is it so acceptable to kill so long as one is behind the wheel of a vehicle? Even if intersections crossing requires attention and care, pedestrians on the sidewalk should be perfectly safe from vehicles. Unfortunately, this type of "accident" happened multiple times already this year.

I am going to register my outrage and disappointment about this situation. Here are some people you might also want to contact:

Dick Devine
Cook County State’s Attorney
69 West Washington, Ste. 3200
Chicago, IL 60602
312.603.1880
stateattorney@cookcountygov.com
Commander Walter Green
Police District 15
5701 W. Madison Ave.
Chicago, IL 60651
CAPS015District@chicagopolice.org
312.743.1440

Emma Mitts
37 Ward Alderman
773.745.2894
emitts@cityofchicago.org

Sunday Parkways this Sunday!

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:42:01 GMT

I’m down on my knees and I’m begging you to come out to experience Sunday Parkways this Sunday. You can find out more at www.biketraffic.org/sundayparkways. Come out with your strollers, your skateboards, your rollerblades, your running shoes, your bicycles, your workout shoes, or whatever get up you need to get out and have some fun. Stop by the activity stations and dance, do yoga, aerobics, listen to music, or learn to ride a bicycle for the first time.

Come out rain or shine! If we can truly show the City of Chicago how wonderful this experience is and can be for its residents and its visitors, we have a chance to make this a permanent event that occurs on regular days. I promise you’ll have a great time.

The texting while driving ban

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:36:36 GMT

This morning the Chicago City Council’s Committee on Traffic Control and Safety passed an ordinance to ban text messaging or browsing the internet while driving. The text can be viewed on the third page of this agenda. In order to become law, the ordinance must next be passed by the entire City Council.
Seemingly to the surprise of several aldermen, the Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White attended the committee hearing to testify in support of the ban on text messaging. Secretary White referenced the recommendations in the Final Report of the Distracted Drivers Task Force, which call for several new laws – including prohibiting text messaging while driving and creating penalties for negligent driving that causes crashes, injuries and fatalities. He asked the aldermen to not only pass the ban on text messaging today, but to support the forthcoming traffic safety bills in Springfield by asking for support from Chicago’s Representatives and Senators in the General Assembly.
I couldn’t agree more. We are already working with Jesse White’s office to research and garner support for the recommendations in the report. We also support Alderman Ed Burke’s ordinance to ban text messaging while driving in Chicago. Our streets are filled with pedestrians and bicyclists to tolerate drivers taking their hands off the wheel, their eyes off the streets and their minds off of their driving because of their ‘need’ to answer a text message. Pedestrians and bicyclists’ lives can too easily be destroyed by a distracted driver commanding the wheel of a potentially deadly weapon.
Please call, write or visit your alderman and ask for the passage of the ban on text messaging. Visit www.civicfootprint.org to find your alderman.
Please also Register to Vote for the November election. The deadline to register by mail is October 7, 2008 and the election takes place on November 4, 2008 – bike or walk to the polls to exercise your civic duty.