Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on March 15, 2013 at 9:54am

Thanks Charlie for the update!

Charlie Short 11.5 said:

Picking up slack isn't the right way to put it. What's been happening is the folks here at CDOT have been holding developers to the standards set out in the zoning ordinance, which means making sure bike parking (both indoor and out) gets installed. The zoning ordinance is confusing at best, and making sure it gets followed so we actually provide space for bikes is super important. An example of this was a mixed use structure (residential, educational and commercial) that we made sure bike parking got installed appropriate for each use. The developer was already providing the indoor parking for residents and felt that that somehow accommodated all the modes. CDOT folks made sure that they also provided outdoor spaces for the commercial and educational uses.

Additionally, we're making sure that the designs for bike parking can actually accommodate bikes (as opposed to some racks that get installed too close to buildings or other structures.)

We're working on some other behind the scenes bike parking stuff that I'll be able to report on in the coming months.

 

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Permalink Reply by Joe Guzzardo on March 17, 2013 at 1:22pm

I apologize in advance for being redundant, but what about bike parking in the loop? NYC requires parking facilities maintain a certain minimum number of bike parking spaces and our vaunted mayor wants to make Chicago the bike friendliest city in America. This should be a no brainer. Not only will it encourage more bike commuters, but it will enhance the local economy as well. Outside of Millennium Park, there are very few off street bike parking facilities in the downtown area, and Millennium Park is too far out of the way for many of us.

Charlie Short 11.5 said:

Picking up slack isn't the right way to put it. What's been happening is the folks here at CDOT have been holding developers to the standards set out in the zoning ordinance, which means making sure bike parking (both indoor and out) gets installed. The zoning ordinance is confusing at best, and making sure it gets followed so we actually provide space for bikes is super important. An example of this was a mixed use structure (residential, educational and commercial) that we made sure bike parking got installed appropriate for each use. 

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Permalink Reply by Charlie Short 2.9 on March 17, 2013 at 4:42pm

Good points, all, but to be clear, Ann's original question was about poor outdoor parking at new developments, and that was what I was responding to. 

Joe Guzzardo said:

I apologize in advance for being redundant, but what about bike parking in the loop? NYC requires parking facilities maintain a certain minimum number of bike parking spaces and our vaunted mayor wants to make Chicago the bike friendliest city in America. This should be a no brainer. Not only will it encourage more bike commuters, but it will enhance the local economy as well. Outside of Millennium Park, there are very few off street bike parking facilities in the downtown area, and Millennium Park is too far out of the way for many of us.

Charlie Short 11.5 said:

Picking up slack isn't the right way to put it. What's been happening is the folks here at CDOT have been holding developers to the standards set out in the zoning ordinance, which means making sure bike parking (both indoor and out) gets installed. The zoning ordinance is confusing at best, and making sure it gets followed so we actually provide space for bikes is super important. An example of this was a mixed use structure (residential, educational and commercial) that we made sure bike parking got installed appropriate for each use. 

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on March 18, 2013 at 12:12am

Thank you again!

Charlie Short 11.5 said:

Picking up slack isn't the right way to put it. What's been happening is the folks here at CDOT have been holding developers to the standards set out in the zoning ordinance, which means making sure bike parking (both indoor and out) gets installed. The zoning ordinance is confusing at best, and making sure it gets followed so we actually provide space for bikes is super important. An example of this was a mixed use structure (residential, educational and commercial) that we made sure bike parking got installed appropriate for each use. The developer was already providing the indoor parking for residents and felt that that somehow accommodated all the modes. CDOT folks made sure that they also provided outdoor spaces for the commercial and educational uses.

Additionally, we're making sure that the designs for bike parking can actually accommodate bikes (as opposed to some racks that get installed too close to buildings or other structures.)

We're working on some other behind the scenes bike parking stuff that I'll be able to report on in the coming months.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle S on May 31, 2013 at 7:41am

Bumping this discussion because the next MBAC meeting is on June 12th. As always, you can attend in person and ask questions directly of CDOT staff members present. I'm sure bike share will be a big topic on the agenda already as well as the status of the Milwaukee PBL, going in right now. I'll be there to raise questions as a community rep, and at minimum, I'm planning to revisit the problems caused by not timely re-paving streets torn up for water main work, as well as discussing the Dearborn bike lane, specifically asking what the plan is for continuing to upgrade it and make it safer for all street users (markings, signage, enforcement, asphalt, drainage). Do you have any other issues you'd like to suggest for consideration?

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