How We Got Here
(And a guide to understanding bike lanes)
Chicago has been a biking city for 130 years. Since the 1890s, mayoral campaigns have touched at least somewhat on the issue of cycling in the city, with candidates going as far as to host races to campaign events. As automobiles surged in popularity during the 1910s-1920s, the issue of preserving space for bikes quickly fled the political limelight.
It would not be until 1955 with the election of Richard J. Daley that the city would start to change again. By the 1950s there were cars, buses, trolleys, and trains all carrying the masses, and cycling began to take off as a form of leisure. The Lakefront Path(LFP) was christened in 1963 to be accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.
Despite the length of the LFP, over 18 miles long north to south, it was still far from as popular as it is today. Contributing to this was both poor maintenance and lighting, as well as the placement of Nike Missiles along the shoreline accompanied by fortified fencing and armed guards. 1971 rolls along and the last of the air defense sites is decommissioned, just in time for the first city bike lane to open that year.
Mayor Daley continued to push these bike lanes out, expanding their network for the next 5 years until his death. The next and most recent large break for cyclists in Chicago came under Rahm Emanuel. Rahm brought a storm of new bike projects to Chicago including the 606/Bloomingdale trail that runs parallel to Armitage from Ashland to Hamlin, for 3 miles. Rahm introduced the latest bike plan, the 2020 plan, of which most goals have been met. Under this initiative there are now some 8,000 bike racks in the city, and nearly 300 miles of bike lane.
Understanding Bike Lanes
A bike lane is a part of the road way that is marked specifically for bikes. There are many varieties and additional components but this guide covers the most basic ones and the rules surrounding them. Pay attention because there is a quiz at the end
What is a bike lane?
According to the city of Chicago a bike lane or bikeway is a designated path in the roadway specifically for bikes.
What is a shared lane?
A shared lane is a car lane marked with a bike symbol letting cars know they need to yield for bikes. Cars and bikes are not seperate in this lane.
What is an advisory lane?
An advisory lane is marked via striped paint, indicating that cars should not drive there unless passing, and they need to yield to bikes.
What is a shared-bus lane?
A shared-bus lane is an option where the bike lane and bus lane are the same. In most instances only turning cars can join the lane, but bikers must contend with the massive busses trying to get by
What is a buffered lane?
A buffered lane is where there is a painted barrier cars are not allowed to cross between the road and the lane.
What is a protected lane?
A protected lane uses concrete and/or plastic to physically halt traffic and biking from mingling. This is the ultimate weapon in preventing crashes.