The Chicago Journal is reporting that Alderman Danny Solis of Chicago’s 25th Ward recently helped create a safe path for cyclists who traverse 18th Street in the City’s Pilsen neighborhood regularly. “I am very excited to have these newly piloted protected bike lanes in the 25th Ward,” Solis stated, “this is a great opportunity to improve the health and safety of our community.”
Announced back in September, the route has already been completed and includes protected bike lanes on 18th street from Clark to Canal. Many cyclists in Chicago’s burgeoning Pilsen and South Loop areas complained that riding on 18th Street was very dangerous due to the heavy amount of traffic and the grating in the large metal bridge that runs across the area. With the protected bike lanes already in place, next year the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) plans to install a protective surface over the metal grating in the bridge.
Making Chicago a bicycle-friendly city has been one of the top priorities for Mayor Rahm Emanuel since he took office earlier this year. Mayor Emanuel hopes to install over 25 miles of protected bike lanes each year. The 18th Street plan is the second of Mayor Emanuel’s initiative with the protected bike lines on Kinzie Street between Wells and Milwaukee. CDOT stated that since the installation of the protected bike lanes on Kinzie, 48% of traffic on the street has been bicycles.
Keating Law Offices applauds the actions of both Alderman Solis and Mayor Emanuel in installing the 18th street bike route in a swift and efficient manner. In light of the recent tragedy on 18th Street, this bike route was necessary for the community.
If you have any questions about this blog post or have been involved in an accident while on your bicycle, please contact Keating Law Offices at mkeating@keatinglegal.com or 312-239-6787. All e-mails and phone calls are returned promptly. All initial consultations are confidential and free.
Source: Chicago Journal
