It's here - the Lakefront Trail Traffic Report

We just sent out this news release (below)...enjoy, Chainlinkers!

 

Thanks,

Ethan Spotts, Marketing & Communications Director, Active Trans

 

Prepare for your bike commute with Lakefront Trail conditions “traffic report”
Check out www.activetrans.org/lakefront starting Wednesday morning for current conditions


As countless Chicagoans wake up in the morning and tune in traffic reports before hitting the road, thousands of others local residents are in need of a much different “traffic report” as they hop on their bikes and commence their daily commute on the Chicago Park District’s Lakefront Trail.

 

For many years, the Active Transportation Alliance has used its blog to provide Lakefront Trail users with regular updates about trail conditions, detours and events affecting trail use.

 

Active Trans is now launching an expanded reporting system at www.activetrans.org/lakefront that allows trail users to share current trail conditions via Twitter to provide more timely information on the conditions of the 18-mile trail.

 

The Chicago Lakefront Trail serves as one of the most popular bike commuting routes in the region; peak daily usage of the trail reaches up to 30,000 people at the busiest points.

 

“When you step out of the door, it will be great to have current information about what’s happening on the trail,” said Johanna Thompson, a year-round bike commuter who works at The Field Museum. “Knowing that there’s ice at Fullerton or that the sand has been swept up near 31st will make bike commutes a lot smoother.”

 

The Active Trans webpage will display the Twitter feed of @activetransLFT (www.twitter.com/activetransLFT), our Lakefront Trail Conditions Twitter account, and any Twitter posts from trail users that use the hashtag #CHILFT.

 

Trail users are encouraged to report detours and other conditions such as snow, debris and high waves so that everyone can safely enjoy the Lakefront Trail. Active Trans and the Chicago Park District will continue to work together in responding to issues in an efficient and timely manner.

 

“Active Trans has always been on the ground connecting Lakefront Trail users and the Chicago Park District,” said Ron Burke, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance. “Our new reporting system will ensure that trail users have instant access to conditions that could affect their commute.”

 

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. The organization builds a movement around active transportation, encourages physical activity, increases safety and builds a world-class transportation network. The Active Transportation Alliance is North America’s largest transportation advocacy organization, supported by nearly 6,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 40 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steven Vance on March 8, 2011 at 8:29pm

I think this is a great idea and it's very easy for people to follow along as well as contribute. 

To those who operate blogs, it's also very easy to embed this information on your website. 

For those who take the LFT to home or work, you can easily setup a widget on your desktop (Mac/Windows/whatever) to check the feed before you leave.

Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on March 10, 2011 at 7:50am

Cool, thanks Serge! We just Tweeted this link from our @activetransLFT account so others can see.

 

Do you have a Twitter account? We'd be happy to send some Tweet love your way.

 

Much appreciated,

Ethan, with Active Trans

Permalink Reply by Michael A on March 10, 2011 at 7:56am

Is the path closed in this area due to repairs? can you still get passed this area?

 

Thanks for the pics Serge

Permalink Reply by Dr. Doom on March 10, 2011 at 7:58am
This is really cool. I don't know how much work it would be, but ideally I'd like to see a map of the path with little flags at trouble spots.
Permalink Reply by Zach Straw on March 10, 2011 at 8:51am

Great idea! Following.

 

However, part of the adventure is running into roadblocks! ;)

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on March 10, 2011 at 4:21pm

Will it have wind direction and speed?

Though I don't use the path anymore for my commute wind speed/direction is my main concern after temp.

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on March 10, 2011 at 5:47pm

I check wunderground it's a good site but I was thinking this local lake front report would be more real feel.

 

The wind direction from wunderground has been less than accurate.

I used to be able to tell just by looking out my window and looking at the steam from buildings but now I'm ground level.

Permalink Reply by Steven Vance on March 10, 2011 at 6:56pm

You can text message Google for weather that includes temperature, wind speed and direction. 

 

Text "weather ZIPCODE" to 46645 (GOOGL).

Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on March 11, 2011 at 3:04am

Yes, we're trying to include wind: http://twitter.com/activetransLFT

 

I found two good resources besides direct observation:

http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/metdata/chi -- A weather buoy just off the lakefront. Not sure I trust the info. from O'Hare.

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/subindex/weather -- Has an hourly forecast that includes wind, so you can see if it's expected to shift later in the day for that ideal tailwind both to and from work.

 

- Lee Crandell, Active Trans

Permalink Reply by Mark Kenseth on March 11, 2011 at 8:00am

Here are the repair jobs; pictures from my ride in this morning:

http://greenstudents.org/?p=985

Permalink Reply by chixieonfixie on March 11, 2011 at 5:47pm

Heres some photos of the LFP somewhere in the mid 40's north of the 51st street bridge - my friend was riding down to Hyde Park on Wednesday of this week and took some pictures of this fantastic flotsam - Im assuming this is the aftermath of the Feb 2 storm.

 

Permalink Reply by S on March 11, 2011 at 7:03pm
A lot of that has been there since that snow/ice/windstorm in December.

chixieonfixie said:

Heres some photos of the LFP somewhere in the mid 40's north of the 51st street bridge - my friend was riding down to Hyde Park on Wednesday of this week and took some pictures of this fantastic flotsam - Im assuming this is the aftermath of the Feb 2 storm.

 

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