hazard to cyclists on southbound State St. - The Chainlink2024-03-28T14:28:34Zhttps://thechainlink.org/forum/topics/hazard-to-cyclists-on-southbound-state-st?commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A595075&x=1&feed=yes&xn_auth=noI've been using it for my rou…tag:thechainlink.org,2012-09-26:2211490:Comment:5988662012-09-26T15:39:24.933ZTricolorhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Tricolor
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p> I'm seeing increasing numbers…tag:thechainlink.org,2012-09-26:2211490:Comment:5990342012-09-26T11:58:35.916ZAnne Althttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Anne91
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p> Yes! thanks Anne!
I agree wit…tag:thechainlink.org,2012-09-26:2211490:Comment:5990202012-09-26T04:18:47.528ZTony Adamshttps://thechainlink.org/profile/TonyAdams
<p>Yes! thanks Anne!</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><br></br> <cite>Sarah D. said:…</cite></p>
<p>Yes! thanks Anne!</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><br/> <cite>Sarah D. said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/hazard-to-cyclists-on-southbound-state-st?id=2211490%3ATopic%3A594551&page=2#2211490Comment596045"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>+1 - thanks to you, Anne, for going to bat for all of us - and for the updates!</p>
<p>I ride State 2-3x a month and also find it's all about time of day and bus-driver coolness. </p>
<p><br/> <cite>Juan said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/hazard-to-cyclists-on-southbound-state-st?id=2211490%3ATopic%3A594551&page=2#2211490Comment596022"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>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</p>
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</blockquote> Thanks for the update. Trico…tag:thechainlink.org,2012-09-25:2211490:Comment:5986802012-09-25T17:54:41.497ZAnne Althttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Anne91
<p>Thanks for the update.<br></br> <br></br> <cite>Tricolor said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/hazard-to-cyclists-on-southbound-state-st?page=3&commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A598679&x=1#2211490Comment598679"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>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…</p>
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<p>Thanks for the update.<br/> <br/> <cite>Tricolor said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/hazard-to-cyclists-on-southbound-state-st?page=3&commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A598679&x=1#2211490Comment598679"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>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!</p>
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</blockquote> This morning I noticed the pl…tag:thechainlink.org,2012-09-25:2211490:Comment:5986792012-09-25T17:08:52.955ZTricolorhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Tricolor
<p>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!</p>
<p>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!</p> In the last few days, more st…tag:thechainlink.org,2012-09-21:2211490:Comment:5968642012-09-21T15:56:39.997ZAnne Althttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Anne91
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p> Mindfrieze, Cameron - Good su…tag:thechainlink.org,2012-09-19:2211490:Comment:5964062012-09-19T00:16:37.020ZAnne Althttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Anne91
<p>Mindfrieze, Cameron - Good suggestions.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>My understanding is that he's aiming for better citywide standards.</p>
<p>Mindfrieze, Cameron - Good suggestions.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>My understanding is that he's aiming for better citywide standards.</p> Can I ask how you got Gabe Kl…tag:thechainlink.org,2012-09-18:2211490:Comment:5961942012-09-18T22:44:09.729Zh' Zerocatshttps://thechainlink.org/profile/H3N3
<p>Can I ask how you got Gabe Klein to respond to e-mails about this?</p>
<p>I am truly baffled that I was not able to get any assistance with the exact same situation.</p>
<p>Is the idea here that these standards would be implemented city-wide, or only in places Gabe may be personally at risk?</p>
<p><cite>Anne Alt said:…</cite></p>
<p>Can I ask how you got Gabe Klein to respond to e-mails about this?</p>
<p>I am truly baffled that I was not able to get any assistance with the exact same situation.</p>
<p>Is the idea here that these standards would be implemented city-wide, or only in places Gabe may be personally at risk?</p>
<p><cite>Anne Alt said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/hazard-to-cyclists-on-southbound-state-st?page=3&commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A596383&x=1#2211490Comment596373"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>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:<br/><br/>* use of asphalt to create ramped edges/eliminate harsh impact of tire against square edge</p>
<p>* NO gaps in hole coverage at edges of plate(s) or between plates<br/>* if bolts are used to secure plates, set them as low as possible to avoid creating additional hazard for cyclists</p>
<p><br/>Does anyone have additional suggestions?</p>
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</blockquote> Besides the good points you m…tag:thechainlink.org,2012-09-18:2211490:Comment:5963742012-09-18T19:47:03.997Zmindfriezehttps://thechainlink.org/profile/mindfrieze
<p>Besides the good points you mentioned, I'd add:</p>
<p>* Always align plates so leading edge is perpendicular to traffic flow.</p>
<p>* When multiple plates are used, place them so joints align laterally, rather than longitudinally, to the flow of traffic.</p>
<p>* It would be great if city could specify skid-resistant surfaces be used on the plates.<br></br> <br></br> <cite>Anne Alt said:…</cite></p>
<p>Besides the good points you mentioned, I'd add:</p>
<p>* Always align plates so leading edge is perpendicular to traffic flow.</p>
<p>* When multiple plates are used, place them so joints align laterally, rather than longitudinally, to the flow of traffic.</p>
<p>* It would be great if city could specify skid-resistant surfaces be used on the plates.<br/> <br/> <cite>Anne Alt said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/hazard-to-cyclists-on-southbound-state-st?x=1&id=2211490%3ATopic%3A594551&page=3#2211490Comment596373"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>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:<br/><br/>* use of asphalt to create ramped edges/eliminate harsh impact of tire against square edge</p>
<p>* NO gaps in hole coverage at edges of plate(s) or between plates<br/>* if bolts are used to secure plates, set them as low as possible to avoid creating additional hazard for cyclists</p>
<p><br/>Does anyone have additional suggestions?</p>
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</blockquote> I exchanged a few emails with…tag:thechainlink.org,2012-09-18:2211490:Comment:5963732012-09-18T18:59:09.931ZAnne Althttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Anne91
<p>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:<br></br><br></br>* use of asphalt to create ramped edges/eliminate harsh impact of tire against square edge</p>
<p>* NO gaps in hole coverage at edges of plate(s) or between plates<br></br>* if bolts are used to secure plates, set them as low as possible to avoid creating additional hazard for…</p>
<p>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:<br/><br/>* use of asphalt to create ramped edges/eliminate harsh impact of tire against square edge</p>
<p>* NO gaps in hole coverage at edges of plate(s) or between plates<br/>* if bolts are used to secure plates, set them as low as possible to avoid creating additional hazard for cyclists</p>
<p><br/>Does anyone have additional suggestions?</p>