All Discussions Tagged 'safety' - The Chainlink2024-03-28T12:24:55Zhttps://thechainlink.org/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=safety&feed=yes&xn_auth=noThinking outside the box on sustainable transittag:thechainlink.org,2019-04-03:2211490:Topic:11197942019-04-03T18:05:19.424ZDavid S.https://thechainlink.org/profile/DavidS734
<p><em>Capitalism is the Driving force behind Automobiles </em></p>
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<p>Major transformation. Outside the box thinking is not 10% improvement. This is a very common motif. Instead, let's think about <em>10x</em> improvement! This is when major change occurs.</p>
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<p>Some ideas.</p>
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<p>Convert 4/5 streets to bike-pedestrian only. At intersections with automobile, create bike-lane bridges to cross over automobile traffic. Need to create solutions to deal with parking,…</p>
<p><em>Capitalism is the Driving force behind Automobiles </em></p>
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<p>Major transformation. Outside the box thinking is not 10% improvement. This is a very common motif. Instead, let's think about <em>10x</em> improvement! This is when major change occurs.</p>
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<p>Some ideas.</p>
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<p>Convert 4/5 streets to bike-pedestrian only. At intersections with automobile, create bike-lane bridges to cross over automobile traffic. Need to create solutions to deal with parking, package delivery, garbage trucks, moving trucks, emergency vehicles, etc.</p>
<p>Convert major 4-6 lane thoroughfares to two-lane with two to four lanes of bike and pedestrian.</p>
<p>Covered and heated bike lanes for 24/7/365 commuting, removable covering for nice weather.</p>
<p>At least one dedicated (i.e., same as the 606) north-south cross-city bike lane every eight city blocks. (Note that by dedicated, the concept is same as the 606 and lakefront trail, i.e., complete separated from automobile traffic - although lakefront does occasionally meet automobiles at intersections.)</p>
<p>Completely separate cars and bikes, cars and pedestrians.</p>
<p>Downsize all cars to mini-EVs or even mini grid-connected vehicles.</p>
<p>Limit speed limits to 15mph.</p>
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<p>Any thoughts on this? Let's get the conversation started.</p>
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<p>One quick story. A friend is doing a study on noise and sound pollution and how it is not only damaging to long-term health but also is disorienting in the short-term! What does this lead to in terms of biking? With this in mind, for the past month I have been transitioning from major thoroughfares to back-roads for my 7.5 mile daily city commute. This has been a lot of fun! (In fact, I've had a long-term mantra of taking the "road least traveled" in many aspects of my life.) The reduction in noise and exhaust pollution is incredible, not to mention a feeling of less stress. Speaking for the northeast area, for example, a few roads with bike lanes that are also major thoroughfares are of course Milwaukee, Clybourn, Elston, Damen. Shared bike lanes with big roads are super-important for safety. But in reality, a quiet lane to oneself really great! Is it <em>10x</em> better? It means mostly missing diagonals, such as Lincoln, Milwaukee, Clybourn, Elston. But on a 50-minute ride it only adds about 5-10 minutes in total, with mileage increasing from 7.5 to between only 8.5 and 9.5. What are your thoughts on backroads versus major thoroughfares?</p> problems created by bad ADA curb installationstag:thechainlink.org,2017-09-24:2211490:Topic:10774392017-09-24T15:21:15.990ZAnne Althttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Anne91
<p>I'm talking about problems for bikes or peds created by ADA curb installations that have some feature that's inappropriate for its context.<br></br><br></br>Examples: vertical edges and/or narrow spaces (insufficient if there are more than 1 or 2 people) where a trail crosses a street, a deep area that creates a moat that fills with rain, or snow or ice, etc. I've got some here.<br></br><br></br><a href="http://ridge99.blogspot.com/2017/09/when-ada-creates-new-problems.html" target="_blank">Major Taylor…</a></p>
<p>I'm talking about problems for bikes or peds created by ADA curb installations that have some feature that's inappropriate for its context.<br/><br/>Examples: vertical edges and/or narrow spaces (insufficient if there are more than 1 or 2 people) where a trail crosses a street, a deep area that creates a moat that fills with rain, or snow or ice, etc. I've got some here.<br/><br/><a href="http://ridge99.blogspot.com/2017/09/when-ada-creates-new-problems.html" target="_blank">Major Taylor Trail crossings at 87th/Damen/Beverly and 119th/Halsted</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://ridge99.blogspot.com/2017/09/when-ada-creates-new-problems-part-2.html" target="_blank">Vincennes bike lane (NB) from 95th to 89th</a></p>
<p><br/>What examples have you encountered in your neighborhood or in your travels?</p> Heads up Lincoln Square Area Bikerstag:thechainlink.org,2017-08-09:2211490:Topic:10713172017-08-09T16:39:57.473ZSarah D.https://thechainlink.org/profile/Sarahld
<p>Just heard about a spate of bold, business-hours bike thefts right at the Lincoln Square Athletic club on Lincoln Ave. at Leland. The thieves are coming with grinders and making off with bikes - last night at 8pm, so high traffic, and big glass windows aren't deterrents. </p>
<p><br></br> Too bad because it's one of the business area's only large bunch of bike racks... <br></br> <br></br> Anyway, keep an eye out and call 911 if you see anything, but also, be extra careful when locking up around…</p>
<p>Just heard about a spate of bold, business-hours bike thefts right at the Lincoln Square Athletic club on Lincoln Ave. at Leland. The thieves are coming with grinders and making off with bikes - last night at 8pm, so high traffic, and big glass windows aren't deterrents. </p>
<p><br/> Too bad because it's one of the business area's only large bunch of bike racks... <br/> <br/> Anyway, keep an eye out and call 911 if you see anything, but also, be extra careful when locking up around there. </p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/96866859?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="590" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/96866859?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="590" class="align-full"/></a></p> Most Chicago intersections named "deadliest" haven't been fixedtag:thechainlink.org,2017-05-02:2211490:Topic:10530032017-05-02T03:32:34.646ZSamKhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/SamK
<p>CDOT named these the most dangerous intersections in Chicago for cyclists in 2012:</p>
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<ul>
<li>Fullerton/Halsted/Lincoln</li>
<li>Milwaukee/California</li>
<li>Milwaukee/Chicago</li>
<li>Chicago/Halsted</li>
<li>Damen/Fullerton/Elston</li>
<li>Montrose and the Lake Front Trail</li>
<li>Milwaukee/Damen/North…</li>
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<p>CDOT named these the most dangerous intersections in Chicago for cyclists in 2012:</p>
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<ul>
<li>Fullerton/Halsted/Lincoln</li>
<li>Milwaukee/California</li>
<li>Milwaukee/Chicago</li>
<li>Chicago/Halsted</li>
<li>Damen/Fullerton/Elston</li>
<li>Montrose and the Lake Front Trail</li>
<li>Milwaukee/Damen/North</li>
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<p><a href="https://chicagobikereport.com/2017/05/01/5-years-ago-these-were-named-chicagos-deadliest-intersections-whats-been-done-since/" target="_blank">Story here.</a></p>
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<p>Only Damen/Fullerton/Elston has really been fixed--which was a huge project.</p>
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<p>The rest can be really terrible to ride through. Halsted and Chicago, blech. 3 out of 7 are Milwaukee Avenue.</p>
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<p>I love the protected bike lanes. Keep going with those. But focus on fixing bike crash hotspots, too, Chicago. Anyone know if there's hope of these intersections getting fixed?</p>
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<p></p> Call the Park District to get Saftey Cones/ Painted Cross walks on the LFTtag:thechainlink.org,2017-04-20:2211490:Topic:10514862017-04-20T20:46:38.985ZJoelShttps://thechainlink.org/profile/JoelS
<p>I ride the LFT most of the year. After last summer's "re-surfacing, I had hoped that the Park District would follow up and paint the crosswalks and put up cones ( with he state law sign to stop for pedestrians) at the Park's vehicular entrances to notify the drivers. We as riders have responsibility for sure but the locations of the stop signs relative to the LFT and lack of cross walk markings and/or cones are confusing to the vehicular traffic.</p>
<p>Years ago, there were cones and…</p>
<p>I ride the LFT most of the year. After last summer's "re-surfacing, I had hoped that the Park District would follow up and paint the crosswalks and put up cones ( with he state law sign to stop for pedestrians) at the Park's vehicular entrances to notify the drivers. We as riders have responsibility for sure but the locations of the stop signs relative to the LFT and lack of cross walk markings and/or cones are confusing to the vehicular traffic.</p>
<p>Years ago, there were cones and painted cross walks but no longer. Every year ( I am not exaggerating) , I see some biker who has been hit by a car passing through the entrances to the park. Last year, it was a brutal hit-bike parts everywhere. I almost got hit myself a few weeks ago. I had slowed down considerably but the driver was not looking for someone to cross.. The entrances are inherently confusing.</p>
<p>Last year, I contacted the transportation writer at the Trib but she could not find that CPD keeps records of injuries and didn't pursue it. A few weeks ago I called CPD Dir of Operations, Patrick Lever to try and discuss this. They took my number but no one's surprise, I didnt get a call back. </p>
<p>The paint and cones cost almost nothing and I feel certain that they will make drivers much more aware of the bike and pedestrian traffic crossing the entrances. </p>
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<p>So , I am asking my fellow bikers to call Patrick Lever at <span>(312) 742-4300.</span></p>
<p><span>Ask to speak to Patrick and if you dont get him, leave a message that the CPD needs to paint the cross walks and put in cones. The cones with the State Law Message are essential. If we can make this happen, we will likely spare someone a major hit.<br/></span></p>
<p><span>Patrick Lever at (312) 742-4300.</span></p>
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<p><span> (<a href="http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/departments/leadership/chief-operating-officer/">http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/departments/leadership/chief-operating-officer/</a>)</span></p> Bicycling Safety Surveytag:thechainlink.org,2017-02-20:2211490:Topic:10422702017-02-20T16:54:33.233ZBrucehttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Bruce583
<div><div><div>Fellow cyclists:<br></br><br></br>We are all aware of some biases held by drivers about bicyclists, and it is safe to say that there is bad behavior from all road users at times. <br></br> <br></br> BICYCLING magazine released a survey asking "How Safe Do You Feel When You Ride?" This survey focuses on driver behaviors experienced by bicyclists.<br></br><br></br>If you feel like contributing, the survey is online here:…<br></br></div>
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<div><div><div>Fellow cyclists:<br/><br/>We are all aware of some biases held by drivers about bicyclists, and it is safe to say that there is bad behavior from all road users at times. <br/> <br/> BICYCLING magazine released a survey asking "How Safe Do You Feel When You Ride?" This survey focuses on driver behaviors experienced by bicyclists.<br/><br/>If you feel like contributing, the survey is online here:<br/> <a href="http://www.bicycling.com/rides/safety-etiquette/how-safe-do-you-feel-when-you-ride" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.bicycling.com/rides/safety-etiquette/how-safe-do-you-feel-when-you-ride</a><br/> <br/><br/></div>
Below are some comments I wrote at the end of the survey.<br/><br/></div>
Thanks.<br/><br/></div>
<p>Bruce Tyler</p>
<div><div><div><br/><br/>In the last few years I have definitely changed my behavior as a cyclist in terms of stopping and waiting at red lights. I think it is good to show drivers we are responsible. I do tend to roll through stop signs if nobody is there. If there is another vehicle there I will act just like any other vehicle, wait my turn, and expect others to do the same. I have occasionally ridden into the path of a vehicle who didn't respect that it was my turn to go, but only if I am confident that I can make eye contact and be safe.<br/><br/>I do think that cyclists should obey the laws more than they do in order to be in a position to demand that police enforce laws on drivers of motor vehicles. We should stop at red lights and also at intersections with stop signs, or at least slow down enough to really be sure it is safe. I think that the "Idaho Stop" requires care. And it really annoys me when I see people riding in the middle of the road--sometimes right next to or even on the yellow line. That kind of behavior is just asking for trouble. That being said, a cyclist can't cause much damage or harm but a motor vehicle can.<br/><br/>Also, there is a culture, at least around Chicago, of lawlessness. Drivers go 10-20 mph over the speed limit with regularity. The sense of impunity here is overwhelming. Our two "cyclist" mayors have built lots of bike lanes but not much else to improve the situation for cyclists.<br/><br/></div>
<div>A few years ago when the proposal to install speed cameras around Chicago surfaced, I was initially opposed. Then, I started to reflect on my own driving habits.I realized how often I was speeding. I started to consciously pay a lot of attention to the speed limit (ie. NOT exceed it) and noticed that other drivers were (and still are) constantly passing me or tailgating me and getting annoyed. I have since advocated for more speed cameras.</div>
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</div> 200 Mile ride to Grand Rapids, MItag:thechainlink.org,2016-08-08:2211490:Topic:10068172016-08-08T22:46:47.923ZSloan Dorrhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/SloanDorr
<p>Hi all! I'm new on here!! </p>
<p>I am planning a 200 mile (nearly 200, I'm rounding up!) ride to Grand Rapids, MI in early October and raising money for Girls on the run (If you want to donate <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/gotrchicagomarathon2016/fundraiser/sloandorr">https://www.crowdrise.com/gotrchicagomarathon2016/fundraiser/sloandorr</a>)</p>
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<p>My question for the forum is:</p>
<p>The ride from the end of the Lake Shore Trail through Indiana is my only real concern. I've…</p>
<p>Hi all! I'm new on here!! </p>
<p>I am planning a 200 mile (nearly 200, I'm rounding up!) ride to Grand Rapids, MI in early October and raising money for Girls on the run (If you want to donate <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/gotrchicagomarathon2016/fundraiser/sloandorr">https://www.crowdrise.com/gotrchicagomarathon2016/fundraiser/sloandorr</a>)</p>
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<p>My question for the forum is:</p>
<p>The ride from the end of the Lake Shore Trail through Indiana is my only real concern. I've heard and read scary tales of not so great neighborhoods and sketchy roads--any advice? I'm planning on DRIVING part of it this weekend to get a feel for what I'm up against. </p>
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<p>Any and all advice welcome! I know it can be done and wanted to reach out to the veterans!</p>
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<p>Sloan</p> New app helps riders find safer, quieter routestag:thechainlink.org,2016-07-15:2211490:Topic:10020532016-07-15T19:11:58.803ZNate Hutchesonhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/NateHutcheson
<p>PBR (Personal Bike Routing) is a free app that helps riders with ios phones to find safer, quieter routes in Chicago and NYC. The app was developed by a team of volunteers at chihacknight.org using open source code. PBR is for riders who are looking for more pleasant routes, using mostly residential streets, to get from point A to B. The two screen shots below compare PBR route (top) and Google Maps (below); the routes are the same distance but PBR uses Francisco (quieter) rather than…</p>
<p>PBR (Personal Bike Routing) is a free app that helps riders with ios phones to find safer, quieter routes in Chicago and NYC. The app was developed by a team of volunteers at chihacknight.org using open source code. PBR is for riders who are looking for more pleasant routes, using mostly residential streets, to get from point A to B. The two screen shots below compare PBR route (top) and Google Maps (below); the routes are the same distance but PBR uses Francisco (quieter) rather than California (busier). The team is looking for feedback and hopes to build out more features like turn-by-turn directions and locations of Divvy stations.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pbr/id1121469698?mt=8" target="_blank">PBR app on itunes</a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/96854027?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/96854027?profile=original" width="640"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/96854059?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/96854059?profile=original" width="640"/></a></p> Infographic: Tips for Driverstag:thechainlink.org,2016-07-08:2211490:Topic:10000302016-07-08T05:32:06.889ZAprilhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/April558
<p>Today as I nearly got clipped trying to cross the street at a clearly marked intersection I wondered if the IL crosswalk law was included in drivers ed. I grew up in CT and remember learning that law but perhaps IL drivers are simply unaware they are supposed to yield? That may indeed be the case as was explored by this <a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/unit-5-crosswalk-confusion-170129656.html" target="_blank">NBC video</a>.</p>
<p>So I made an infographic to help with this…</p>
<p>Today as I nearly got clipped trying to cross the street at a clearly marked intersection I wondered if the IL crosswalk law was included in drivers ed. I grew up in CT and remember learning that law but perhaps IL drivers are simply unaware they are supposed to yield? That may indeed be the case as was explored by this <a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/unit-5-crosswalk-confusion-170129656.html" target="_blank">NBC video</a>.</p>
<p>So I made an infographic to help with this and other simple things drivers can do to keep vulnerable road users safe. Please feel free to <a href="http://visual.ly/tips-drivers-save-lives-0" target="_blank">spread this around</a> far and wide! </p>
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<p>(Special thanks to <a href="http://keatinglegal.com/" target="_blank">Keating Law Offices</a>, I borrowed a few of your graphics, you are linked and cited in the Learn More section, I hope you don't mind!)</p>
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<div class="visually_embed"><img class="visually_embed_infographic" src="http://visual.ly/node/image/347491?_w=540" alt="Tips for Drivers to Save Lives"/><div class="visually_embed_cycle"></div>
<p>From <a href="http://visual.ly?utm_source=content-embed&utm_medium=embed">Visually</a>.</p>
</div> Proposed Missouri Law Requiring Cyclists to "Fly a Flourescent Flag"tag:thechainlink.org,2016-01-14:2211490:Topic:9629232016-01-14T14:08:46.299ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
<p>This reminds me of the flags they used to have on kids bikes. Ridiculous to expect adults to add these flags to their bikes. This sounds like victim blaming.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.gettysburgflag.com/bicycle_flags.php" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/96846446?profile=original" width="296"></img></a></p>
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<h1 class="title"><em><span class="font-size-3">A Proposed Missouri Bill Would Require Cyclists to Fly a Fluorescent Flag</span></em></h1>
<div class="the-excerpt"><p><em>The proposed “safety measure” is a thinly-veiled…</em></p>
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<p>This reminds me of the flags they used to have on kids bikes. Ridiculous to expect adults to add these flags to their bikes. This sounds like victim blaming.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.gettysburgflag.com/bicycle_flags.php" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/96846446?profile=original" width="296" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<h1 class="title"><em><span class="font-size-3">A Proposed Missouri Bill Would Require Cyclists to Fly a Fluorescent Flag</span></em></h1>
<div class="the-excerpt"><p><em>The proposed “safety measure” is a thinly-veiled attempt to get people on bikes off of the roads.</em></p>
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<p><em>A bill <a href="http://www.cyclelicio.us/2016/missouri-bill-would-require-fluorescent-flag-for-cyclists/" target="_blank">recently introduced</a> in the state of Missouri would require anyone riding a bike on lettered county roads – all of Missouri’s rural highways – to fly a fluorescent orange flag. The flag would have to be “not less than fifteen feet above the motorway when the bicycle is standing upright.”</em></p>
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<p><em>Let’s say we decide to believe that the bill is intended to improve safety conditions for cyclists by improving their visibility. That line of thinking still falls squarely into the victim-blaming approach that says people on bikes should be responsible for not getting themselves hit by cars, instead of the drivers being responsible for not hitting people with their cars.</em></p>
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<p><strong>Full Story:</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://momentummag.com/a-proposed-missouri-bill-would-require-cyclists-to-fly-a-fluorescent-flag/" target="_blank">https://momentummag.com/a-proposed-missouri-bill-would-require-cyclists-to-fly-a-fluorescent-flag/</a></p>
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