Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Melissa M on October 6, 2012 at 6:03am

Here are the comments from the other discussion:

Sarah D.

I think this would be great, too. I'm in if we can get something together - maybe next Friday morning during the commute time? It would keep a focus on the seriousness of the issue, and educate drivers. Any weekday would work, just thought marking the day on which it happened might be nice. 

Melissa, would you want to set something up? Would those who rode to the vigil this evening come back? 

h'

If we're talking Friday the 19th (edit-- bad math-- next Friday is the 12th...) I took off work and can actually be there...

I'd suggest a new thread for planning since the useability/readability of the current format is hard enough with a handful of posts-- it gets really hard for most to follow with 100+.

David of the North (David606xx)

This is my everyday route and I'm planning on leaving for work early every day next week to try to form mini-masses at the red lights where several of us take up a lane.  Doing something positive at the site will surely help me get through this piece of street, and I'm sure the other Wells St. commuters will benefit as well.  

Commuters tend to fall into two blocks--8am people and 9am people.  Starting something early or holding two meetups will cover more commuters.

Patrick Lukan

I agree...if we could do it next Friday morning at about the same time of the accident that might help raise awareness.  If The Mayor is in town and available, maybe we could try and get him to come out which would draw the press there to help raise awareness.  Just a thought but the best we need to make something good come out of a very tragic accident.  And I'd be willing to try and coordinate.

 

Anne Alt

Yes, a new thread for planning is a good idea.  I'll plan to be there and will get the word out to Chicago Cycling Club folks.

This was my most frequent morning commute route into the Loop when I lived in Rogers Park, and I escaped a bunch of near doorings in that area.  David's idea of meet-ups is a good one.  I hope that it makes a positive difference by increasing bike commuter visibility and allowing more people who share similar commutes to get acquainted.  

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on October 6, 2012 at 6:14am

Link to original discussion mention above Bicyclist killed at Oak &... 

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on October 6, 2012 at 7:19am

Should this be posted as an event?

Permalink Reply by Bliss BT on October 6, 2012 at 7:23am

Post further details and I'll be there.

Permalink Reply by Melissa M on October 6, 2012 at 7:43am

Let's work out the details here and then post it as an event. I'm willing to organize, but would like more input--and maybe some help--before announcing plans. I can change the title and main text of the discussion to reflect that.

I have to work Friday at 9:30 at UIC. If we want to have two times to group up--I think 8 and 9 were suggested--I could be there early for the 8 and stay until about 9. Could someone be there to kind of take the lead then?

Does anyone know if we need to get a permit? If not, should we let the local police station know? Should we have designated point people to handle any possible confrontational reactions from pedestrians or drivers? 

Patrick Lukan suggested inviting the mayor and the press. Anyone have an in with the mayor's office and/or contacts with the press?

I was thinking it would be good to wear cycling jerseys or jackets, and in light colors, so that we stand out. Are there fliers or anything that can be handed out? Would we like to have some?

Lisa Curcio said:

Should this be posted as an event?

Permalink Reply by Neco on October 6, 2012 at 7:52am

A Friday morning memorial is a great idea.  The media focus and feedback from those being interviewed is just not enough to make driver more aware.."the take-away for many may be "biking is dangerous" rather than "look before opening your door."  Many people interviewed state they hope this accident makes driver more aware... The disturbing fact is that this will not, we must do more.. I live 1 block aware from the accident and one of my best friends 22 year old son Clint Miceli was killed June 9, 2008 in a dooring accident less then a block from this tragic accident (his ghost bike is at 900 N LaSalle). 

Wells and LaSalle are extremely dangerous and these are tragic senseless loss of lives due to carelessness.

Permalink Reply by Melissa M on October 6, 2012 at 8:37am

Those are good points. I'm glad to keep this as a grass-roots thing. I don't see any need for speakers or a podium, and think that it would be more respectful as a memorial without them.

While we may not gather more cyclists, I was hoping that having something at that time of a weekday would increase visibility to the pedestrians and drivers with whom we share the roads.

Thank you for volunteering to get something out to the press.

What do you (and anyone else) think of having a brief, printed PSA-type something to pass out to people in the area? Maybe even just a quarter piece of paper requesting people be careful when opening car doors and that has some stats on accidents due to doorings?

h' said:

I would not worry about the permit as long as the intent is not to gather in the street and disrupt traffic flow.

The reality is that you're not going to gather a much larger crowd on a weekday morning than you would for Friday night's vigil.

If you are going to bump it up to something where there's a podium and police support and the hope that the Mayor might attend then it's going to need to happen in the name of an organization.  The obvious choice would be Active Trans of they were on board, but I think it's extremely important that the community self-organize when possible to augment what Active Trans is able to do rather than stretch it even thinner-- so I'd rather see this happen in a more grass-roots way.  And also consider that the impetus here is that we, the citizens of Chicago, are saddened and concerned-- having the organizing come from an advocacy organization can too easily be construed and dismissed as "using" Neill's death to advance the organization.

I have a number of press releases that I could fairly easily adapt to this occasion if desired.

Permalink Reply by Melissa on October 6, 2012 at 8:38am

As this planned action develops, I suggest deciding on a message for the day.  One that is clear, direct, and specific to this incident, such as: Look! Don't door.  This will help if you choose to create signs, chalk the sidewalk, relay the message to passers-by, but especially for speaking with media.

 

 

Short, time-sensitive actions like this power forward the long-term efforts of Active Trans.  The organization fosters greater education, and we have the flexibility here to mobilize around the urgent daily issues, raising awareness instantly and often. 

 

 

 

In general, David's (above) suggestion for "mini-masses" is an interesting one.  We hear often that for many people, fear is the primary deterrent from riding in the city.  I think some "buddy systems" may have been explored in the past, but what if there were little designated send-off points around the city, akin to taxi stands? 

 

 

Also...props, John Woo, long-time champ on this site, for your Trib contribution.

 

Permalink Reply by Kat on October 6, 2012 at 9:21am

I doubt Rahm would come out, but maybe ask your Alderman? 

I had to stop commuting by bike - sadly because I started commuting with my 2yo and didn't think Wells was safe enough for her - but I will try to be there on Friday.

Permalink Reply by Justin B Newman on October 6, 2012 at 10:43am

Do "watch for bikes" handouts already exist? (Active Trans?) It might be nice to hand something out to passers-by.

Permalink Reply by ciarliera on October 6, 2012 at 10:46am

I think having a PSA flyer is a great idea. And I love the simple and direct message - "Look, Don't Door!".

Permalink Reply by Ash L. on October 6, 2012 at 11:58am

Yeah, there is no way Rahm will come out. I think aiming for Gabe Klein but being content with Ethan or Luann Hamilton would be productive. 

Kat said:

I doubt Rahm would come out, but maybe ask your Alderman? 

I had to stop commuting by bike - sadly because I started commuting with my 2yo and didn't think Wells was safe enough for her - but I will try to be there on Friday.

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