A new ordinance would use automated enforcement to ticket drivers who block bike lanes, but some bike advocates say the city is avoiding the harder work of improving its bike infrastructure.
An ordinance aimed at improving road safety for Chicago bike riders is drawing mixed reviews from bike advocates, some of whom say it doesn’t go far enough to address safety concerns. Mina Bloom outlines the debate for Block Club Chicago.
“Under the measure, the city would install cameras on city vehicles and street poles in two pilot areas Downtown to identify parking violators and mail them a ticket.” The city says in addition to protecting people on bikes, this could also reduce congestion and speed up bus service. Christina Whitehouse, the founder of Bike Lane Uprising, calls the measure “light on details,” noting that there was little engagement with the public and bike advocates before its announcement. Whitehouse adds that the ordinance “doesn’t address pressing concerns for cyclists, such as dangerous construction zones and poor maintenance of city streets.” For Whitehouse, “it doesn’t feel like it’s genuinely about safety. It feels like it’s about trying to get votes for [Mayor Lightfoot’s] reelection.”
Other advocates also point out that the ordinance doesn’t take steps to address the city’s “shoddy bike lanes” or account for equity concerns. According to the city, low-income drivers could get reduced fines under the city’s Clear Path Relief Pilot Program.
FULL STORY: City Plan To Ticket Drivers Who Block Bike Lanes Downtown Draws Mixed Reaction From Cycling Advocates
Less Paint, More Barriers, Make for Better Urban Cycling
New research from the University of Colorado Denver and the University of New Mexico sheds light on how to make cities safer for cyclists and other road users and refutes some assumptions about bike safety, such as "safety-in-numbers."
Making Traffic Camera Programs Work
Although controversial in the United States, when deployed thoughtfully, automated enforcement can save lives and make roads safer for all users.
Is ‘Protected Bike Lane’ an Oxymoron?
Some research suggests that separated and even ‘protected’ bike lanes actually increase the likelihood of car-bike collisions.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
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