Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Interviews

Empowering People With Bikes, From Southern Africa to the South Side

By John Greenfield | Feb 25, 2013 | 4 Comments

“Parts of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city, and the South Side of Chicago are actually eerily similar,” says Dustin Gourdin, a PhD student in the University of Chicago’s sociology department, over coffee at Hyde Park’s Valois Cafeteria. “You see a lot of the same issues, in terms of transportation challenges and youth opportunities. Hopefully we can […]

Eboni Hawkins Joins Bike League’s New Equity Advisory Council

By John Greenfield | Feb 15, 2013 | 1 Comment

The League of American Bicyclists, one of the nation’s leading advocacy organizations, has come a long way. Founded in 1880 as the League of American Wheelman, the group passed a resolution in 1894 barring people of color from joining, including up-and-coming African-American racing champ Major Taylor. In 1999, after it was discovered there were no records the […]

The Ray LaHood Exit Interview

By Tanya Snyder | Feb 13, 2013 | No Comments

I had the chance to sit down with Ray LaHood yesterday morning before he spoke to the U.S. High-Speed Rail Association. Our conversation covered a wide range of topics, looking back on his four years at the helm of the U.S. Department of Transportation. We’ll publish the interview in three installments over the next few […]

Will Andersonville Get Chicago’s Next Great Pedestrian Plaza?

By John Greenfield | Feb 4, 2013 | 9 Comments

Last week when I talked to Brian Bonanno from the Andersonville Development Corporation about his interest in bringing bus rapid transit to the neighborhood, he mentioned that the ADC wants to create a pedestrian plaza along the Clark Street business strip. The Chicago Department of Transportation’s Make Way for People initiative is helping to create […]

Andersonville Development Corp on Bus Rapid Transit: Yes Please!

By John Greenfield | Jan 31, 2013 | 36 Comments

Andersonville has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainable transportation and public space initiatives. The neighborhood’s main drag on Clark Street is one of Chicago’s most vibrant pedestrian retail districts, and its chamber of commerce and aldermen have been strong supporters of bike facilities. The business strip recently became home to […]

How Mayor Mick Cornett Fought Oklahoma City’s Brain Drain and Weight Gain

By Tanya Snyder | Jan 25, 2013 | No Comments

Part One of this interview was posted yesterday. Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett (R) has made it his mission to make his city healthier and less obese, in part by improving its walkability. The city lost a million pounds during his weight-loss campaign — and then they took a freeway out of the middle of downtown […]

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