ATA asks: Where would you like a bike blvd?

Dear Joseph,

The City of Chicago is interested in piloting a bike boulevard and the Chicago Department of Transportation is asking for your input and suggestions on locations.

Bike boulevards are roads that are made comfortable for all bicyclists by slowing car traffic and reducing the amount of car traffic on the street. That might be through speed bumps, traffic diverters or signs. Local traffic can still maneuver, but high-speed cut-through traffic is discouraged.

Bike boulevards are usually parallel to arterial roads and oftentimes become major thoroughfares for bicyclists and havens for families to walk and play.

Here is an example of one in Portland.

We’ve been asked to reach out to our members and collect feedback.  So we want to hear your suggestions for specific street locations that would be a good fit for a bike boulevard in Chicago. Keep these criteria in mind:

• Minimum one-mile stretch
• Controlled crossing at all intersections – stop sign or traffic light
• Residential roadway
• Low motor vehicle traffic
• High number of cyclists using the route and in the neighborhood
• Aldermanic support

Send us your ideas to adolfo@activetrans.org by Friday, April 9.

Your voice strengthens the movement around active transportation. Thank you!