The Chainlink

Dearborn 2-way bike lane. Is it working?

I don't ride it often, but it seems to be an invite for pedestrian-bike collisions.

It's invisible if you approach mid-block, and walkers step right into the path of the bikes.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on September 30, 2013 at 9:12pm

For the first time in a very long time, this afternoon around 4:40 there was a big black SUV parked in the bike lane in front of Petterinos with the parking lane quite empty.  One of those step backwards for the step forwards?

Permalink Reply by Michelle S on September 30, 2013 at 9:57pm

I agree with those who've said that pedestrians are getting used to it. I've witnessed one actual bike/ped collision on the Dearborn lane and numerous close calls, but I believe they are getting less frequent. The big LOOK BIKES markings definitely helped. The fact that Loop regulars are now aware of the lane also helps. The tourists and visitors will always be an issue, forever. When I was in Amsterdam, tourists were constantly blindly almost walking into bike lanes, even though the lanes were all over the place. 

I agree that there are fewer vehicles that park or drive in the lane lately compared to last winter/spring. It's been many weeks since I had to tap on a driver's window to politely advise them that they were in a bike lane.

Drivers turning left on a red arrow are still an issue, I have to say. I was nearly left hooked by one at Randolph a few weeks ago, when I had a solid green bike signal, she had a solid red arrow. She saw a break in the pedestrians, and just decided suddenly to make the turn. Ironically, I had just left the MBAC meeting and was on a Divvy bike, which is way heavier and harder to stop than my regular bike, but I was able to stop before slamming into her door. People nearby gasped while the driver continued on, oblivious to it all.

In spite of the issues, I still remain a big fan.

Permalink Reply by Soel on September 30, 2013 at 10:39pm

As a Loop messenger I usually ride in traffic when delivering on dearborn. Using the bike lane at high speeds are dangerous. Pedestrians are not aware of the bike lane at all. They stand off the curb 1 foot away from crossing auto traffic eagerly awaiting to J walk.   I rarely use it to get crosstown. La Salle and clark are much faster and their traffic lights are longer.

Permalink Reply by Bill Nedza on October 1, 2013 at 7:17am

Funny, when we were in Paris WE were the clueless pedestrians who stood a couple of times in the bike lanes before we finally paid closer attention -- they were not as well marked as the Dearborn bike lane, but the point is that you have to give things and people time to figure it out.  

Permalink Reply by KayCee on October 1, 2013 at 7:40am
Lisa, I was about to post this- the suv was there, as well as a post office truck. I've seen cabs before, but this was a first. This was during rush hour and at both points I had to ride against traffic to get around them. Today was the first time I've encountered vehicles completely blocking the lane though.
Permalink Reply by Bez on October 1, 2013 at 8:37am

I saw that postal truck parked there when I came out of my building at 5.  I happened to catch the mail carrier with her load of mail for the condo building right there and told her she was illegally parked in a bike lane.  She told me that postal trucks are exempt and to mind my business (seriously).  I don't know how to get the identifying numbers off of a post truck and it didn't really occur to me to get the plate number to report it

KayCee said:

Lisa, I was about to post this- the suv was there, as well as a post office truck. I've seen cabs before, but this was a first. This was during rush hour and at both points I had to ride against traffic to get around them. Today was the first time I've encountered vehicles completely blocking the lane though.
Permalink Reply by Tricolor on October 1, 2013 at 9:22am

I don't think those guys are allowed to park legally:



Lisa Curcio 6.5 mi said:

For the first time in a very long time, this afternoon around 4:40 there was a big black SUV parked in the bike lane in front of Petterinos with the parking lane quite empty.  One of those step backwards for the step forwards?

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on October 1, 2013 at 9:26am

There are signs on posts at eye level.  There are big LOOK BIKES markings on the pavement where someone looking down should see them. Short of having flashing lights, could it be much more obvious?  People are increasingly oblivious as they walk down the street.

Bill Nedza said:

Funny, when we were in Paris WE were the clueless pedestrians who stood a couple of times in the bike lanes before we finally paid closer attention -- they were not as well marked as the Dearborn bike lane, but the point is that you have to give things and people time to figure it out.  

Permalink Reply by KayCee on October 1, 2013 at 9:34am

I have a collection of similar photos on my phone. :(  Dearborn isn't usually the worst, though.

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Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on October 1, 2013 at 9:39am

I think there's only so much that can be done, short of posting crossing guards. Today on Randolph between the Thompson Center and City Hall, a woman crossed (in the crosswalk), very slowly, talking on her phone, never glancing right or left. It wasn't difficult to stop and let her pass, but it made me wonder why she would cross a fairly busy street in rush hour without even a glance to make sure it was safe to cross. After all, BMWs are everywhere.

Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on October 1, 2013 at 2:38pm

It works fine 95% of the time, and has gotten much better since it opened last winter. Still an occasional idiot standing in the bike lane, or people on bikes running red lights, but overall it works very well.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on October 1, 2013 at 4:50pm

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