Our team at the MBAC meeting just let us know that Elston (Division to North) and 18th (Clinton to Clark) will be the next protected bike lanes by the end of this year!
Thanks, CDOT!
Ethan Spotts, Active Trans
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I'll go out on a limb and say that the location of these bike lanes has to do with feasibility more than need.
Of the four bike lanes announced three are on streets that have relatively few residents and or retail businesses, so there is no one around to complain. Smart moves by the respective aldermen that carries little political risk
I'll go out on a limb and say that the location of these bike lanes has to do with feasibility more than need.
Do you think that those will ever be realized? Those are some tough streets to convert.
Not clear who you're responding to, sorry . . .
Tim S said:
Do you think that those will ever be realized? Those are some tough streets to convert.
Do you think that those will ever be realized? Those are some tough streets to convert.
My point exactly. You think the backlash against the Kinzie lane was bad? Try converting any of the ones mentioned above. Retailers will complain about loosing customers and residents will complain about losing after hours parking space. You think an alderman will risk the backlash from his/her constituents?
I'd like to see somebody step up and spend that political capital.
Tim S said:
Do you think that those will ever be realized? Those are some tough streets to convert.
I agree/hope you're right - I'd also just add that as a regular Elston rider, coming from downtown in the evening rush hour cars are often usurping the bike lane when you get to a block or two directly south of North Ave.
And part of that is likely due to how desperately in need of fresh paint those bike lane stripes are - so perhaps CDOT figured it made more sense to start there since they were (hopefully) going to need to freshen up the existing bike lane stripes.
BTW, when you hear people arguing about how much this all costs and how bikes aren't paying their share, tell them to take a closer look at the Elston bike lanes between Division and North - the striping on the side that cars often drive over is the stripe in such bad shape, it's not like bikes are wearing down the paint, it's car traffic!
Charlie Short said:
I believe that the Elston location will eventually be extended. The Division to North corridor was picked first because the other stretches will be getting utility work done. I believe they can address the south portion, between Milwaukee and Division, second and then the northern sections. Elston is getting resurfaced in large sections, and the Division to North section will be finished first.
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