How Could Chicago’s Streets be Safer for Cyclists and Drivers?
Enforcing Laws and Sharing the Road
One common theme among respondents was the importance of following traffic laws on both sides of the road. Tim Buckenmyer, for example, emphasized the need for cyclists to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Annaliese Spalink added that drivers should “chill” and notice that they often become entitled when behind the wheel.
Infrastructure and Alternative Transportation
Many respondents suggested that the city invest in alternative forms of transportation, such as public transit, to reduce the number of cars on the road. Sammy Schneider, 29, of Lakeview, noted that people don’t bike because they have to share the road with drivers who do whatever they want. Rick Palacios suggested that bike riders should have insurance and plates, like motorcycles, and that those who don’t obey traffic signs and lights should be ticketed.
Designing Safer Streets
Adam Koch suggested creating bike/pedestrian-only streets that run east-west and north-south. Alex Cannon emphasized the importance of safe connections across barriers like rivers and expressways. Matt Yarbrough, 59, of Lombard, called for more protected lanes, especially those that connect to the lake.
Additional Solutions
Leo Koenig proposed licensing cyclists over the age of 18, so they are aware of the Bicycle Rules of the Road. David Kowalski, 31, of New Lenox, suggested testing cyclists for basic bicycle safety, hand signals, and road signage, as well as drivers for hand signals when given the driver’s test. Frank Vega noted that our speed limits and laws reflect our values and that when we have laws that allow cars to drive 30 miles per hour next to a bike in a painted bike lane, it’s a reflection of what we think is important in our city.
Conclusion
The key to making Chicago’s streets safer for cyclists and drivers is a combination of infrastructure improvements, enforcement of traffic laws, and a shift in cultural attitudes towards sharing the road. By investing in alternative transportation options and designing safer streets, we can reduce the number of conflicts between cyclists and drivers and create a more harmonious and efficient transportation system.
FAQs
Q: How can we make Chicago’s streets safer for cyclists and drivers?
A: By enforcing traffic laws on both sides of the road, investing in alternative transportation options, and designing safer streets with protected lanes and bike/pedestrian-only routes.
Q: Why don’t more people bike in Chicago?
A: Many people don’t bike because they have to share the road with drivers who don’t follow traffic laws and don’t feel safe.
Q: What can we do to reduce conflicts between cyclists and drivers?
A: By implementing protected lanes, improving bike infrastructure, and promoting a culture of sharing the road.
Q: Why don’t bike riders have to follow traffic laws?
A: Bike riders should have insurance and plates, like motorcycles, and those who don’t obey traffic signs and lights should be ticketed.
Q: What is the most important factor in making Chicago’s streets safer?
A: A combination of infrastructure improvements, enforcement of traffic laws, and a shift in cultural attitudes towards sharing the road.
Bicyclists ride on Lake Shore Drive during Bike The Drive.
Paul Beaty/For the Sun-Times
