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 25, 2012 at 6:54am

Thanks for the update.

Tricolor said:

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!

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on September 25, 2012 at 5:18pm

Yes! thanks Anne!

I agree with Sarah. State in the loop is surprisingly ridable. I think the near-constant bus traffic in the curb lanes has trained car drivers to stay out of that lane or at least not to expect to progress very quickly. I usually only ride it for a couple/few blocks until I can get to Plymouth. I take the lane, try to cooperate with the buses and pretty much never have a  problem.


Sarah D. said:

+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 26, 2012 at 12:58am

I'm seeing increasing numbers of cyclists on State St. in the Loop.  I think a lot of people have discovered that if they learn to co-exist with the bus traffic, it can be a workable option.

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on September 26, 2012 at 4:39am

I've been using it for my route to work from North Avenue to avoid the bike path around Navy Pier and it's pretty pleasant in the morning.  Evenings I stay away from the roads because it's too dark and busy.

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