Plans to Separate Southside Bike Path (Lakefront Trail)

Always great to have news like this. Separating the paths will be great for cyclists as well as families visiting the beaches on foot.

“Imagine how much more inviting and relaxing and popular the lakefront’s going to be – even more popular than it is today – once we’re able to separate people on bikes and on foot,” Active Transportation Alliance executive director Ron Burke said.

CHICAGO (CBS) — Construction has begun on an project to create separate lakefront paths for bicyclists and pedestrians on the South Side.

The city broke ground Sunday on the project to create the separated trails between 31st and 51st streets. Cyclists will get a lane closer to Lake Shore Drive, while pedestrians will get a trail closer to the lake.

The project is aimed at relieving congestion on the Lakefront Path, avoiding collisions between joggers and cyclists, and encouraging more people to get outside.

The first phase of the plan – from 31st Street to 40th Street – will cost about $1.8 million, and will be paid for with Chicago Park District capital funds, and should be complete in December. The second phase – from 40th Street to 51st Street – is still in the planning stages.

Earlier this year, the city announced a similar effort to create separate paths for runners and cyclists between Fullerton Avenue and Ohio Street. That project will begin next year.

Full Article: http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/08/01/south-side-lakefront-to-get-...

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Permalink Reply by George Tafelski on August 4, 2016 at 7:14am

Maybe the bike cops can enforce it. Just a thought.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on August 2, 2016 at 3:53am

I don't expect it to be enforced any more than it is on the north side. Giving people more path space will at least help relieve congestion.

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Permalink Reply by Mark on August 2, 2016 at 5:36am

There is already a stretch of double paths between 31st and 39th, but with no signs, it is still a free for all. Once the paths are designated, I think trail users will get it. If they don't, they will be politely reminded by the other users that they are on the wrong path.