There is some good in Chicago:
Many Chicago streets are not designed for cyclists, said Sadowsky, and need engineering changes, such as more lighting, fewer parked cars and lane adjustments to reduce collisions.
And particular intersections present safety issues, Sadowsky said. The one where Fabeck was killed has an overpass.
Another problematic intersection with heavy congestion is Kedzie Boulevard and Armitage Avenue, he said. There were two deaths resulting from bike-car collisions within a year: Amanda Annis, 24, and Blanca Ocasio, 19.
The alliance has worked with the CTA to reduce congestion at that intersection by moving a bus stop from the east side of Kedzie to the west, said Sadowsky.
“We also removed parking on Kedzie,” Sadowsky said. “There was a sign that was too close to the intersection that made it difficult for cars turning to see pedestrians and cyclists,” he said adding that there are ongoing discussions with aldermen to put a bicycle lane on Kedzie Boulevard between North Avenue and Palmer Boulevard.
This level of cooperation never would have happened in years past. It still needs improvement, but one of the most positive aspects is that the alliance is able to provide CTA and the city relatively low cost fixes. The Active Transportation Alliance is doing excellent work. One thing I’d suggest for their web site is some explicit links to road safety courses for cyclists. They are immensely helpful in teaching people who commute safety.
Oh, and they are hiring so those out there looking for a good progressive job–take a look.