After heavy snow, protected bike lanes can be caught in an unfortunate position between roads and sidewalks. More public awareness may help keep them clear for winter cyclists.

Around this time of year, protected bike lanes have the unfortunate tendency to become repositories for plowed and shoveled snow. An article in Streetsblog Chicago explains the scope of the problem.
According to author John Greenfield, "Even when the Chicago Department of Transportation does a good job of plowing the protected lanes, there's often a problem with snow later being pushed off sidewalks in front of businesses, into the curbside bike lanes. Last fall the city passed an ordinance that makes it clear it's illegal to do this, as well as raises fines for property owners who don't shovel their sidewalks, but CDOT officials said there were no plans to increase enforcement."
Better outreach around the issue might convince local residents to change their ways. "By mailing fliers or going door-to-door, [CDOT and bike advocates] could inform business owners that people really do use the bike lanes all year, and that merchants can theoretically be ticketed for blocking them with shoveled snow."
FULL STORY: Solving The Problem of Snow Being Pushed Into Protected Lanes

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.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

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.

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.

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.
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