i bike pass?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-met-kass-0822-2012...

is all this for real?

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Permalink Reply by Dragonborn on August 23, 2012 at 9:21am

Thank you, Mr. Keating.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on August 23, 2012 at 9:49am

A fact-based letter signed by intelligent people. Let's hope it makes it to the editorial page!

Active Transportation Alliance said:

Here's the letter to the editor we just submitted with partners AARP Illinois, Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation and New Communities Program.

Thanks,

Ethan, Active Trans

John Kass’ column, “Introducing bike tolls and the Rahm-PASS” (8/22/2012), implies all Chicagoans who ride bikes are “elitist” “hipsters” only concerned about “carbon-footprintless pedaling” and not worthy of our city’s investment. If Mr. Kass could get beyond his stereotypes, he would know that all kinds of Chicagoans ride bikes and want safer streets.

We are Chicago’s children, sisters and grandmothers. We live on the north side, west side and south side. We are black, white and Hispanic. We speak English, Spanish and Polish. We are going to the grocery store, dropping by the park and visiting family. We are going to work as your teachers, your waiters and your IT professionals. We are poor, we are wealthy, we are middle class. We are also drivers. We pay gas taxes, sales taxes and property taxes that pay for roads. We write today because we share one thing in common: we ride bikes because it’s healthy, affordable and convenient – and we want “complete streets” in our neighborhoods that safely accommodate everyone – people on foot, in cars, and, yes, on bikes.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey, 24 percent of Midwesterners ride a bike at least once a week; and 71 percent of Americans would like to bicycle more, but fewer than half feel that their community is designed for making biking safe. Most Chicagoans avoid riding on city streets for fear of their safety. We need safer streets for biking in order to access jobs and basic services in our communities. Biking also provides a rare opportunity for healthy physical activity in our busy daily routines.

The 100 miles of protected bike lanes that Mayor Emanuel is adding will enable thousands more Chicagoans to get out of cars and onto bikes and, by giving bikes their own space, will make streets more orderly and safer for everyone. But 100 miles is less than two percent of our street network, and cars still get to use streets with protected bike lanes.

For about the same cost as just one mile of freeway, Chicago can build an entire city-wide network of protected bike lanes. This could provide safe and easy access to a healthy, affordable and convenient form of transportation that our neighborhoods need. It’s a wise investment for Chicagoans and our neighborhoods.

Ron Burke, Executive Director, Active Transportation Alliance, Chicago, IL

Bob Gallo, State Director, AARP Illinois, Chicago, IL

Joy Aruguete, Executive Director, Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation, Chicago, IL

Christy Prahl, Director, New Communities Program – Humboldt Park, Chicago, IL

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Permalink Reply by Bicycle Poet on August 23, 2012 at 10:43am

Exactly (quote referenced below)! Well said, Mr. Keating.

And thank you as well, Ethan, for leading the collaborative effort by Active Trans, AARP, Bickerdike, and New Communities Program.

I say, let us ignore the the next sassy journalist who has big bad ideas for the city's cyclists. We don't have time to keep turning around to blow hot air on chaos. Pedal forward, friends. John Kass and his sag wagon crab apples will either have to catch up or be left to rot on the vine.

Mike Keating said:

"instead of using your considerable platform to shine light on an issue that does not get the attention a crime wave should, you want to write about bicycles and the relatively minor budget for the development of Chicago's bicycle infrastructure. Shame on you and the Chicago Tribune for printing this nonsense."

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Permalink Reply by Dragonborn on August 23, 2012 at 10:48am

Thank you, Ron, Bob, Joy, and Christy. lol

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Blumenthal on August 24, 2012 at 5:28am

I may be in the minority, but I do feel that as a bicycle rider using public streets that are financed by gasoline taxes, vehicle registration fees, and general property taxes, there is a need to pay at least a portion of the cost, especially for marking of bike lanes, dedicated lane construction, etc. There's no free lunch and I'm getting tired of automobile owners telling me I don't pay my own way. I'd be happy to pay $25/year for a registration that includes a barcoded number on a "non-removable" tag that could be used to locate bikes reported as stolen.

A big problem with most taxes and license fees is that they go into the general fund, so any ordnance has to be well written.

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on August 24, 2012 at 5:34am

That has been tried on a massive scale in the 80's in the Netherlands. And it simply doesn't work. Visibly coding bikes did do nothing to deter bike theft, nor did it do anything to increase recovery rates.

The effort was abandoned after only a few years.

Jeff B said:

I'd be happy to pay $25/year for a registration that includes a barcoded number on a "non-removable" tag that could be used to locate bikes reported as stolen.

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Permalink Reply by David Lieb on August 24, 2012 at 5:39am

As a home-owner who chooses to commute to work by bike in spite of the number of cars I own and drive, I feel I am contributing at least my fair share to the maintenance of the roads.

Of course, what do you expect out of someone who grew up under the appellation of John (or Jack) Kass?

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Permalink Reply by Jon319 on August 24, 2012 at 5:42am

Kass is a total ass. Property taxes pay for the majority of city streets (not highways). City parking stickers arguably fund street parking. So, since bike owners pay property taxes by virtue of simply living in the city, bike accommodations on streets are simply another city service that contributes to the efficiency and safety of the city's transportation system. No additional fees or other regulations are required. We all pay (and contribute more over to the health, vibrancy and economy of the city....and relieve parking stresses as well for the suburban drivers who pay $0 property taxes to chicago.

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Permalink Reply by Jon319 on August 24, 2012 at 5:44am

The bike registration has been tried and the cost of administration far exceed any benefits..typically.

Jeff B said:

I may be in the minority, but I do feel that as a bicycle rider using public streets that are financed by gasoline taxes, vehicle registration fees, and general property taxes, there is a need to pay at least a portion of the cost, especially for marking of bike lanes, dedicated lane construction, etc. There's no free lunch and I'm getting tired of automobile owners telling me I don't pay my own way. I'd be happy to pay $25/year for a registration that includes a barcoded number on a "non-removable" tag that could be used to locate bikes reported as stolen.

A big problem with most taxes and license fees is that they go into the general fund, so any ordnance has to be well written.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Schmoe on August 24, 2012 at 5:51am

Bicycle infrastructure costs 1/100 of what car infrastructure does. Cyclists contribute money that goes to road and bridge construction through state, property and federal taxes, and cause virtually no wear on the road. So in effect, I pay for highways I almost never drive on, streets that I'm only entitled to using 3 feet of, and my vehicle causes virtually no damage to them.