Chicago's wheel world
Don't just run this town—bike it. Whether you're a bicycling newbie or one of those people who color-coordinates her wind-guards and rides through the winter, you know the season of bikes is upon us. Summer may spell more congestion on the lakefront path, from joggers, road racers and sunbathers, but bikers also have new developments to look forward to.
The city has seen a slew of new, protected bike lanes on heavily-trafficked streets and a bike-sharing program that allows commuters and leisure-riders to rent bikes at stations around the city.
Many veteran cyclists have praised these changes, along with plans for a "flyover" bike path at Navy Pier to replace a bottlenecked patch of bike trail where cyclists mingle with cars and pedestrians. But some also are up in arms over Mayor Emanuel's push to fine cyclists more for traffic violations.
On Wednesday the city council approved an ordinance to raise fines for drivers who door cyclists and cyclists who break traffic rules. It would raise the fines for cyclists from a $25 fixed fee to a range of $50 to $200, depending on the violation. And for those who open a vehicle door into the path of a cyclist, the fine jumps to $1,000 (up from $500). Those who leave a vehicle door open in traffic would have to cough up $300 (up from $150). The ordinance also would loosen the rules about where and how cyclists can share the road with motorists.
"I think everyone's going to be a little mad about the fines no matter what," said Harrison Keyes, 21, an Old Town resident and regular bike-commuter. "But in terms of safety, I think there's more cyclists who would stop for a light, even at 2 in the morning, even if there are no cars coming."
Keyes said he already feels safer riding in the city this year thanks to new protected lanes.
"I'll go out of my way to ride on Dearborn or Kinzie now because they are exponentially safer than riding on a road where bikes and cars share a lane. I think it's a great investment."
Advocates are calling for more protected bike lanes in the wake of the death of cyclist Robert Cann, 26, who was struck last month by a driver in Old Town.
Steven Vance, who runs Streetsblog Chicago, a transportation news website, says people new to cycling in the city should take advantage of online resources, including the advocacy group Active Transportation Alliance's map of protected bike lanes and thechainlink.org, a discussion board and events calendar. He also recommends volunteering at nonprofit bike repair shops and joining one of many recreational cycling groups.
"Finding other people is a really good way to jump into the lifestyle, cycle a lot and save money," Vance said.
Gabe Klein, the city's transportation commissioner, says the city's new cycling options are taking Chicago a step closer to his goal of being America's most bike-friendly city. The benefits, he said, go beyond alleviating traffic congestion.
"Active transportation is such a great way for people to get out, experience the city in a different way and maintain their health" he said. And, "the same people who [ride bicycles] are often drivers of the startup economy, people that we want to have settle here."
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