Bus/Bike Lanes Find Support in Chicago

A temporary bus/bike lane experiment could lead to permanent additions around the city.

1 minute read

April 11, 2019, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Chicago Commute

f11photo / Shutterstock

"Buses went so much faster during a bus/bike lane experiment on Halsted Street last winter that the CTA wants to try it again in other places," reports Mary Wisniewski.

The CTA is considering bus/bike lanes as a potential solution for its struggling ridership figures, with the thinking that improved service could win back riders.

"During a three-month pilot, the CTA found that buses went up to 65 percent faster than general traffic during rush hour, saving up to 2.3 minutes," according to Wisniewski. "Riders, bus operators and cyclists all liked the change, according to surveys conducted by the CTA, Chicago Department of Transportation and the Active Transportation Alliance, an advocacy group for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users."

City agencies are working to identify additional thoroughfares to potential receive the bus/bike lane treatment, so it could be a little while before the concept expands around the city.

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 in The Chicago Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City