The Chainlink

disappearing parking meters and the local economy

In recent media coverage about the city of Chicago's parking meter fiasco, an issue has arisen that needs our vocal attention. Howard created a thread months ago about local pet peeves, mentioning disappearing parking meters creating a shortage of bike parking in some neighborhoods.

The latest bit of news is that, due to pressure on the new parking meter companies to make up for their screw-ups so far, parking meters will be phased out quickly to ensure more accurate metering and reduce the number of erroneously issued parking tickets. The plan discussed on Chicago Tonight was for 3,000 of the 3,600 existing meters throughout the city to be replaced by pay boxes by year-end.

How does this affect us? It creates a fairly urgent need to get a LOT of bike racks installed really soon. IMO, I think it's critical to emphasize to the powers that be that many of us shop and dine by bike, supporting neighborhood businesses, thus supporting the city's tax base. In light of stories like this, asking for bike racks so that we can help support local business may improve the odds of our message being heard sooner rather than later.

** NOTE: I got a correction on the numbers. It's 30,000 of 36,000 remaining meters.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jester on May 19, 2009 at 8:32pm
WHOA! GOOD POINT!

Who do we call first?
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on May 19, 2009 at 8:58pm
Who's your alderman? Start there. Write letters to the editor: Reader, Trib, Sun-Times, etc. Tell your friends and ask them to do likewise. Ask them to tell their friends. Bike racks are way cheaper than parking lots and garages.

Jester said:
WHOA! GOOD POINT!

Who do we call first?
Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on May 19, 2009 at 10:21pm
Do I smell a letter/postcard campaign? Who wants to run it? Kathy Schubert did great one a couple years ago.
Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on May 20, 2009 at 10:04am
Hey all,

This issue was discussed at the last Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Council meeting.

We will try and get some more information to everyone as soon as possible.

Thanks,
Active Trans
Permalink Reply by Joe Lake on May 20, 2009 at 10:19am
Anne Alt said:
Who's your alderman? Start there. Write letters to the editor: Reader, Trib, Sun-Times, etc. Tell your friends and ask them to do likewise. Ask them to tell their friends. Bike racks are way cheaper than parking lots and garages.

Jester said:
WHOA! GOOD POINT!

Who do we call first?
Permalink Reply by Kelly on May 20, 2009 at 10:23am
I think this is going to be a significant problem in the near future.
Permalink Reply by Joe Lake on May 20, 2009 at 10:24am
Joe Lake said:
Anne Alt said:
Who's your alderman? Start there. Write letters to the editor: Reader, Trib, Sun-Times, etc. Tell your friends and ask them to do likewise. Ask them to tell their friends. Bike racks are way cheaper than parking lots and garages.

Jester said:
WHOA! GOOD POINT!

Who do we call first?

Need Bike Racks in the 32nd Ward?

Contact Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd), 773-248-1330.

Joe lake, Bucktown
Permalink Reply by Jon on May 20, 2009 at 11:11am
Streetsigns?
Permalink Reply by PJ on May 20, 2009 at 11:19am
Jon said:
Streetsigns?

Careful with streetsigns. Although the base is bolted in the ground, I've seen too many where the pole isn't bolted to the base. You can just lift the pole and sign right out. I always try to see if the sign lifts out before locking my bike to it. Even then, I'm hesitant.
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on May 20, 2009 at 11:22am
NOOO---- INSTALL BIKE LOCKERS!!!!
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on May 20, 2009 at 11:40am
Be careful of those. Some are fine, but test how securely they are attached to the sidewalk before you lock up. Many are sucker poles, loosely attached and easy to unbolt. Then the thief just pulls the pole and your bike is free for the taking. Street light poles are solid too big for U-locks, so they can only be used in combination w/cable or long chain. In many 'hoods with significant bike theft problems, cables are NOT secure, as they are easily cut.

Jon said:
Streetsigns?
Permalink Reply by Jon on May 20, 2009 at 12:40pm
no streetsigns :(

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