|
| | | As Bike Lanes Grow, Safety Not Guaranteed | Riley O’Neil, a city transportation department worker who oversaw bike infrastructure and advocated for biker safety, was killed biking over the weekend. O’Neil was traveling in an unprotected but popular bike lane on Halsted in Bridgeport when he was launched into the street by a car door and hit by a semi-truck. | | The tragedy comes at a time when there’s renewed focus — and debate — over bike lanes in Chicago. | | A Battle in Brighton Park: An effort to make a two-mile stretch of Archer Avenue in Brighton Park more pedestrian- and biker-friendly has set off ongoing protests and counter-protests. Advocates in favor want to limit injuries and fatalities on the dangerous thoroughfare, while those against say local businesses will lose parking. A similar standoff is brewing on Grand Avenue in West Town. | - Why now? Brighton Park experiences 43% more traffic fatalities than other Chicago neighborhoods.
- Recently: The city modified a small section of the project's concrete bike lane barrier, re-adding parking spots. A pedestrian island is also getting relocated.
- Back in February: All the drama spurred a bike lane opponent to run for office. She hopes to oust Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th), who supports the project.
| | Big picture: One-hundred miles of bike lanes were added during the first two years of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration, with a push for more. | | | Bike Safety Overall: Though cycling has surged in Chicago since 2019, fatalities are down by 35%, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation, which cites safety upgrades. However, accidents persist. | - Last year: There were seven biking fatalities and over 800 injuries.
- So far: O’Neil is Chicago’s third biking fatality in 2026.
- Remembering O’Neil: Biking advocates planned a memorial ride, ending where O’Neil was killed on Halsted. His CDOT colleagues are also asking Chicagoans to refer to bike racks as “Riley racks” in his honor.
| |
|
|
|
| | | Take a short road trip up to Madison for the Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival. This FREE one-of-a-kind cultural experience features 13 world-class Indigenous and international wood sculptors creating large-scale, original works right before your eyes. Situated in beautiful San Damiano Park on the shores of Lake Monona, enjoy live sculpting, cultural experiences, live entertainment and global food vendors. | | Plan your trip! |
|
|
|
| What Chicago's Talking About |
| | | Expect (More) Red Line Delays — Plus Our Live Show! | On today’s podcast, we’re talking Red Line weekend reroutes — plus an ultimate summer guide, taped live at Switchyards in Logan Square, along with 77 Flavors’ Sara Faddah and Dario Durham. [City Cast Chicago 🎧] | | | Airbnbs Popping Up Near Obama Center | Licenses for short-term rentals have declined citywide but shot up by 46% in the 20th Ward. That includes much of Woodlawn, just west of the Obama Presidential Center. As renters say they’re being priced out, advocates say the city isn’t doing enough to protect the housing supply. [Sun-Times] | | Where’s the Shotspotter Replacement? | It’s been almost two years since Mayor Brandon Johnson ended Chicago’s contract with ShotSpotter, a gunshot detector. Since then, he’s reviewed replacements — and even reconsidered the tech — but alders want to know what’s taking so long. [Block Club] | | | Alders’ Parking Meter Hopes | While private investment groups negotiate a sale of Chicago’s parking meters, alders are hoping the city could win back some leverage in the much-maligned deal. City Council has to approve the final sale, but a major change in terms would be a long shot. [Tribune 🔒] | | | Stacey King Dead at 59 | Stacey King, an NBA champion who was a member of the ‘90s threepeat Bulls, died following a fall in his home. In addition to playing, King had a career as a popular Bulls broadcaster. [Yahoo Sports] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
