hazard to cyclists on southbound State St.

As I was riding south last weekend at the end of Open Streets, I noticed a nasty hazard.  



As you can see from the first picture, it's right in front of Magnolia Bakery at Block 37 (between Randolph and Washington).  I'd seen this previously and reported it, but apparently my 311 report went into a black hole.

There is a large rectangular hole cut in the street next to the curb.  It's a few feet deep, and covered with the steel plate you see here, which is a few inches too small to cover the hole.  Whoever placed this plate could have put the gap next to the curb, where it would be harmless.  Instead, they chose to put it in the middle of the curb lane of southbound traffic.

I'm glad that I spotted it before riding into it.  I hope that it doesn't cause anyone else a bad accident.  I've reported it again this week.  Could a few more of you help me make some noise about this so the problem gets fixed?  Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on September 17, 2012 at 6:52am

I walked by during my lunch. A CDOT crew was working, putting 2 plates in to fully cover the hole. Hopefully these will stay put and not cause any additional problems - until the hole is finally filled (someday...).

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on September 17, 2012 at 7:57am

Let's just hope now there isn't a big lip sticking out into the street to go around.

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on September 18, 2012 at 4:29am

I rode in this morning and there's a second plated bolted next to the original that extends across most of the lane.  It's about a half-inch proud of the pavement so if you're on a road bike you're better going around it, and there's just enough space to avoid going into the left southbound lane.  In busier traffic this isn't a good long term solution, either.  If there any plan for fixing the hole itself?

Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on September 18, 2012 at 4:39am

HT to you people who ride Michigan Ave and State St. Until there is a bike lane there, I will never feel safe riding those strips, your presence and efforts to make the streets safe there are much appreciated. THANKS

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on September 18, 2012 at 5:18am

Around 8:15-9 in the morning State Street is actually pretty open.  I wouldn't want to ride it during the day or at rush hour, though.  I've never liked biking on Michigan Avenue at any time, though it's a people-watching paradise.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on September 18, 2012 at 5:39am

In non-rush hour traffic, State St. can be rideable.  The new cover over the hole isn't perfect, but it's a considerable improvement over having that gap which could eat a wheel.

Permalink Reply by Sarah D. on September 18, 2012 at 6:17am

+1 - thanks to you, Anne, for going to bat for all of us - and for the updates!

I ride State 2-3x a month and also find it's all about time of day and bus-driver coolness. 


Juan said:

HT to you people who ride Michigan Ave and State St. Until there is a bike lane there, I will never feel safe riding those strips, your presence and efforts to make the streets safe there are much appreciated. THANKS

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on September 18, 2012 at 7:59am

I exchanged a few emails with Gabe Klein in course of getting some answers.  He mentioned that CDOT is reviewing its policy on steel plate use.  I offered the following suggestions for bike safety:

* use of asphalt to create ramped edges/eliminate harsh impact of tire against square edge

* NO gaps in hole coverage at edges of plate(s) or between plates
* if bolts are used to secure plates, set them as low as possible to avoid creating additional hazard for cyclists


Does anyone have additional suggestions?

Permalink Reply by mindfrieze on September 18, 2012 at 8:47am

Besides the good points you mentioned, I'd add:

* Always align plates so leading edge is perpendicular to traffic flow.

* When multiple plates are used, place them so joints align laterally, rather than longitudinally, to the flow of traffic.

* It would be great if city could specify skid-resistant surfaces be used on the plates.

Anne Alt said:

I exchanged a few emails with Gabe Klein in course of getting some answers.  He mentioned that CDOT is reviewing its policy on steel plate use.  I offered the following suggestions for bike safety:

* use of asphalt to create ramped edges/eliminate harsh impact of tire against square edge

* NO gaps in hole coverage at edges of plate(s) or between plates
* if bolts are used to secure plates, set them as low as possible to avoid creating additional hazard for cyclists


Does anyone have additional suggestions?

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on September 18, 2012 at 1:16pm

Mindfrieze, Cameron - Good suggestions.

Howard - I've established a good working relationship with Gabe Klein and Luann Hamilton through my work with multiple organizations and programs.  I think it stinks that you didn't get a proper response to the plate gap situation you repeatedly described/showed.  That hazardous situation existed for MUCH too long.

My understanding is that he's aiming for better citywide standards.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on September 21, 2012 at 4:56am

In the last few days, more steel plates have appeared at locations around the Loop, including Jackson at Clark.  Fortunately the ones I've spotted do NOT have gaps like the one on State St. did.  They all appear to be Bureau of Electricity projects, if the letters on the plates are an accurate indicator.

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on September 25, 2012 at 6:08am

This morning I noticed the plates are all gone, the hole has been filled with concrete and there's a manhole cover in place.  I don't know how long the concrete and surrounding pavement will play nice together but it's a big improvement!

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