Chicago To Become The Most Bicycle-Friendly City In The United States
Michael, Groovy Green
The mayor of Chicago announced a few weeks back that the Windy City will begin promoting bike use throughout the city of the next decade. The plan recommends ‘projects, programs, and policies to encourage use of this non-polluting and afforadable mode of transportation.’ From the article, “Bicycling reduces traffic congestion, conserves limited energy resources, integrates healthy physical activity into everyday travel, and reduces transportation costs,” CDOT Acting Commissioner Cheri Heramb said.
“This plan lays out the steps so that Chicago’s bicycle facilities and programs will rival those of any large city in the world.” Some of the highlights of the plan include a 500 mile bikeway network by 2015. Permitting passengers 14-17 to board CTA trains and buses with thei bicycles so High Schools can promote a mix of transit and bike use. Hiring more “Trail Ambassadors” to keep bikeways safe throughout the summer.
Pro viding secure bike parking inside 5-10 city buildings, to encourage employees to bike to work. The future of Chicago may one day resemble modern-day Amsterdam–one of the more bike intensive cities I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Hopefully, this type of leadership will spread to other US cities. Cool!
Link: Chicago’s Bike Plan Site
(30 June 2006)
Cyclists pedal bravely in nation ruled by cars
Matt O'Brien, The Daily Review (Hayward, California)
HAYWARD — Steve Murtaugh was a commuter once.
He remembers sleeping in his car at the gas station some 30 years ago, waking up at dawn so he could get the cheapest rate.
Today, he wakes up and worries about the survival of civilization. War, peak oil prices and global warming are on his mind.
He wants to get rid of his Ford Focus right now and not replace it.
"I think there's a good chance I will do it," Murtaugh said, pondering if and when he might be ready. "I get more determined. A lot of it is principle."
A few minutes later, glancing at his bicycle outside a downtown Hayward restaurant, he promised to do it this month.
"First, it's the commitment," he said of life without a car. "Then, you find a way."
The problem is, he lives in the suburbs. The good thing is, he just bought a really nice tricycle — a luxurious, German-made recumbent tadpole (two wheels in front, one in back) that wins pleasant stares from neighbors and gets honks and smiles from passing motor vehicle drivers.
(2 July 2006)
energybulletin.net |
