Simply Cycle: Chicago goes on a diet

This is a shameless attempt to save the the most advanced civilization in

history from imminent self destruction by eliminating carbon emission,

dependence on foreign sources of fuel,obesity, hypertension and diabetes.

Cycling accomplishes all those things at once and helps us develop a better

understanding of ourselves, each other and our relationship to the cosmos.

Oh, horse puckey!

I like to ride bikes, have been doing it all my life.

The rest of that crap is just a fringe benefit,

and the blogosphere gives me a chance to share my interior

monologue with virtual rather than imaginary friends.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Chicago goes on a diet

Part of the chaos experienced while riding in the Chicago Loop has been eliminated.

Dearborn Ave has been put on a diet.

It has been reduced from 3 one way lanes with two lanes of parking,

down to two lanes of traffic, two lanes of parking and two protected bike lanes.

It has been developed with bike specific signal lights

which restrain autos from making a left hand turn while cyclists are using the intersections.

It is protected from traffic on the street both by bollards and one lane of parked cars.

Citing studies from New York and California, the planning council is claiming the lanes will provide double digit retail sales increases along the Dearborn route. Although it's probably a PR ploy to deflect criticism after slowing down traffic, it's a darn good excuse that makes me happy!