All Discussions Tagged 'NBT' - The Chainlink2024-03-29T14:54:49Zhttps://thechainlink.org/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=NBT&feed=yes&xn_auth=noNorth Branch Trail crossing closed at Howard avenue in Niles, ILtag:thechainlink.org,2019-08-15:2211490:Topic:11272772019-08-15T03:27:33.976ZMoosehttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Moose
<p>On the 13th of August, signs appeared at Touhy Ave. and before the Oakton St. bridge warning that the trail was closed ahead at Howard Ave.</p>
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<p>There is currently construction work at Howard Ave which makes it impossible to cross.</p>
<p>You may want to consider this detour as of the 14th of August. It is unclear how long the Howard Ave. crossing will be closed due to construction. You may be able to take Nordica, but construction equipment made it difficult today, and may…</p>
<p>On the 13th of August, signs appeared at Touhy Ave. and before the Oakton St. bridge warning that the trail was closed ahead at Howard Ave.</p>
<p></p>
<p>There is currently construction work at Howard Ave which makes it impossible to cross.</p>
<p>You may want to consider this detour as of the 14th of August. It is unclear how long the Howard Ave. crossing will be closed due to construction. You may be able to take Nordica, but construction equipment made it difficult today, and may continue to be a roadblock.</p>
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<p>Going North the streets to take are:</p>
<p>Exit the NBT at Fargo and Nordica, go north on Nordica.</p>
<p>Turn Left on Birchwood</p>
<p>Turn Right on Nottingham</p>
<p>Turn Right on Jonquil, walk over the grass and re-join the NBT</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3426870990?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3426870990?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p> How Should We Integrate the North Branch Extension with the street network?tag:thechainlink.org,2016-08-30:2211490:Topic:10111642016-08-30T01:29:23.001ZBrian Shttps://thechainlink.org/profile/BrianSobolak
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<p>As you probably know, the Southern Extension of the North Branch Trail is officially opening on Sept 21 but active now. I am trying to get some community feedback on what we'd like to ask for in terms of integrating the trail with the street network as I will be speaking with some of the stakeholders in mid-Sept. Have you ever biked from the city up to Chicago Botanic Gardens and had thoughts about how to improve it? Read on, because I need your help!!!</p>
<p>(Background: The…</p>
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<p>As you probably know, the Southern Extension of the North Branch Trail is officially opening on Sept 21 but active now. I am trying to get some community feedback on what we'd like to ask for in terms of integrating the trail with the street network as I will be speaking with some of the stakeholders in mid-Sept. Have you ever biked from the city up to Chicago Botanic Gardens and had thoughts about how to improve it? Read on, because I need your help!!!</p>
<p>(Background: The current trail head at Devon and Central in Edgebrook will extend the trail a few miles further south. While the current phase is finished to Forest Glen Ave., a second phase has already begun and will extend the trail to Foster and Kostner, appox. 4400 W Foster.)</p>
<p>The terminus presents some problems for access:</p>
<p> - Foster is busy with motorists speeding. The road is basically a 4 lane highway designed for 40-45mph, even though the limit is 30mph.</p>
<p>- There is a light at Kostner, but it is 1-way northbound, which is bad for anyone who wants to go south.</p>
<p>- In previous community meetings, the FPDCC has suggested using the path through Gompers Park to get back to the street. But... this ends at a sidewalk, and the path is in pretty poor condition since it floods a lot.</p>
<p>- There are zero signs indicating safe biking routes near North Mayfair or NW Albany Park. So while generally pleasant routes, and nice alternatives to Lawrence or Foster, they aren't "officially" on the map.</p>
<p>Do you have any experience with getting to the trailhead you'd like to see fixed? Preference for on-street bike lines or quiet residential alternatives? I have some thoughts but I'd like to hear from other cyclists.</p>
<p><br/>(Note: While I know the Weber Spur is coming too, I'd like to focus more on getting people to/from the existing trail since the Spur is likely years away.)</p>
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<p>Please reply so we can get what we want!</p> Seeking Glenview/Skokie commute advicetag:thechainlink.org,2015-12-11:2211490:Topic:9589082015-12-11T18:58:02.258ZTayterhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Tayter
<p>Hi! I'm looking for commuting advice up in the Glenview area. I've commuted via cycle in the city for the better part of the last decade, including the last four winters so I'm quite familiar with city routes. I recently accepted a new job in Skokie/Glenview off Old Orchard Road just west of the Edens. The new job is exciting, but driving to work everyday is not.</p>
<p>I live in the West Town area so commuting the entire way via bike is unlikely. The MD-N Metra line up to either Golf Road…</p>
<p>Hi! I'm looking for commuting advice up in the Glenview area. I've commuted via cycle in the city for the better part of the last decade, including the last four winters so I'm quite familiar with city routes. I recently accepted a new job in Skokie/Glenview off Old Orchard Road just west of the Edens. The new job is exciting, but driving to work everyday is not.</p>
<p>I live in the West Town area so commuting the entire way via bike is unlikely. The MD-N Metra line up to either Golf Road or Glenview seems like a good option. After driving down Golf Road I've ruled it out as a possible East-West route from the station. It seems like the best bet would be as follows:</p>
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<p>1. MD-N to Glenview Metra Depot (1116 Depot St, Glenview, IL)</p>
<p>2. Make way to Glenview Road and head east.</p>
<p>3. Harms Road south to Old Orchard</p>
<p>4. Old Orchard west to to Lockwood Ave.</p>
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<p>Does this seem like a feasible route? It appears I can jump on the North Branch Trail for some of this route, but from my searches around here the NBT is apparently not maintained (much) during the winter.</p>
<p>Really hoping it's possible to keep biking for at least SOME of my new commute. I'd appreciate any advice pertaining to this route, cycling in the burbs, or perhaps another route I have overlooked. Thanks!</p> North Branch Trail new curve at Oakton/Caldwelltag:thechainlink.org,2015-03-16:2211490:Topic:8965142015-03-16T18:08:57.452ZChitown_Mikehttps://thechainlink.org/profile/MikeRenkosiak
<p>Anyone taken the NBT and rode the new curve? They basically made the turn radius not as aggressive (guessing people went flying into the trees) but it is frickin' sloppy as hell. Bumpy and looks like they just roughshod right over the grass without laying stone or leveling ANYTHING.</p>
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<p>Really disgusted because it seems less safe now than it did before. At least before it was smooth and you could just hold the turn, now if you are going slow but leaning you will have a tire…</p>
<p>Anyone taken the NBT and rode the new curve? They basically made the turn radius not as aggressive (guessing people went flying into the trees) but it is frickin' sloppy as hell. Bumpy and looks like they just roughshod right over the grass without laying stone or leveling ANYTHING.</p>
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<p>Really disgusted because it seems less safe now than it did before. At least before it was smooth and you could just hold the turn, now if you are going slow but leaning you will have a tire catch air because of the uneven surface.</p>
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<p>I'll have to get pictures some other time, didn't think of it yesterday.</p> Will I get in trouble for this? NBT Trimming.tag:thechainlink.org,2013-08-01:2211490:Topic:7361242013-08-01T14:03:22.865ZAndy Jhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/AndyJelagin
<p>A bit of background: I'm in Glenview and enjoy taking Lake Ave. to the North Branch Trail for a loop around the Skokie Lagoons. Yesterday, due to other obligations, I didn't head out for my usual ride until 7:45 or so.</p>
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<p>When I left, there was plenty of light and calm winds. Shortly after getting to halfway mark of my ride, it got dark and the sky opened up - in short, I got drenched.</p>
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<p>I didn't mind the rain; it was actually kind of fun pushing through the water…</p>
<p>A bit of background: I'm in Glenview and enjoy taking Lake Ave. to the North Branch Trail for a loop around the Skokie Lagoons. Yesterday, due to other obligations, I didn't head out for my usual ride until 7:45 or so.</p>
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<p>When I left, there was plenty of light and calm winds. Shortly after getting to halfway mark of my ride, it got dark and the sky opened up - in short, I got drenched.</p>
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<p>I didn't mind the rain; it was actually kind of fun pushing through the water and I ended up only a minute or two off my best time for the ride.</p>
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<p>The only thing that took away from the ride were the number branches hanging over the trail (and the sidewalk of Lake Ave). On dry days, these are just something to keep an eye out for (I'm sure many of us know their locations by heart). But they do present a hazard for folks that don't expect them, especially near corners or when there is oncoming traffic on the other side of the trail. Last night, heavy from being soaked in rain, they were much lower, heavier, and harder to avoid.</p>
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<p>So here's what I'm considering: My 11 year old and I occasionally go out for a casual rides along my usual route - I could grab a pair pruning shears from the garage, throw them in my bag, and do some "trimming" as we work our way along the trail.</p>
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<p>I've never seen Forest Preserve District police (or any LE) on the trail, but do you think if we were to have a run in with officer (ranger?) friendly, they would throw me and my daughter in the paddy wagon? How about objections from other riders/skaters/walkers? I'm not talking about doing anything destructive here, just trimming enough for reasonably-sized person to fit under these overhangs.</p>
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<p>The FPDCC website does mention a prohibition against "removing or damaging any plants or trees", but if left unchecked, this will escalate from an inconvenience to a safety issue. I couldn't find anywhere to report issues like this.</p>
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<p>I'm inclined to go for it, but would appreciate any input/advice you all have.</p>