Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about COVID-19

LaSpata speaks at the ribbon-cutting for the Milwaukee Avenue protected bike lanes in Logan Square last October. Photo: John Greenfield

LaSpata’s ordinance would remove references to traffic “accidents” from Municipal Code

By John Greenfield | Apr 5, 2021 | No Comments

It's common to refer to serious crashes as "accidents," implying they're unavoidable, when it's actually possible to reduce crashes through better roadway design and public policy.

A flowering tree in Gulfport, Illinois, across the Mississippi River from Burlington, Iowa. Photo: John Greenfield

Taking an Amtrak + bike camping trip during the time of the coronavirus

By John Greenfield | Apr 5, 2021 | No Comments

I was fairly comfortable using Amtrak for this journey, so as long as we don't see another major spike in cases, I'll probably make more such trips this year as a safer alternative to flying.

Playing four square on State Street during Open Streets in 2011. Photo: John Greenfield

Loop Alliance details plan to bring Open Streets to State Street for first time since 2011

By Sharon Hoyer | Mar 31, 2021 | No Comments

The Loop Alliance hopes their program will be a shot in the arm for a downtown that is still struggling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An extra-large outdoor dining area at Tavern on Rush on pedestrianized Rush Street. Photo: John Greenfield

Alfresco program will encourage outdoor dining, community space on car-free streets

By Courtney Cobbs | Mar 25, 2021 | No Comments

The city of Chicago is accepting proposals for long-term outdoor dining projects to support tourism and activate neighborhood streets.

The vaccination village at the United Center

Most people in Chicagoland can access COVID vaccination sites via transit

By Steven Vance | Mar 17, 2021 | No Comments

How do we make it easier for people across the region to access vaccinations without driving?

Commuters wait for a train at Metra's Rogers Park station. Photo: Igor Studenkov

What kind of infrastructure upgrades are needed for post-pandemic recovery?

By Igor Studenkov | Mar 15, 2021 | No Comments

Chicago business leaders and MPC agree that transit is key to post-pandemic economic revival, while also urging investment in freight rail, shipping facilities, roads, and bridges.

inside the special Metra express train to the 49th Street Training Center. Photo: Igor Studenkov

Metra, Loop building managers join forces to promote safe return to in-person work

By Igor Studenkov | Mar 15, 2021 | No Comments

"There’s no collaborative tool that can replace in-person networking," Metra CEO Jim Derwinski insisted. "You can’t build a company culture on a video call.”

Administering the vaccine at a CTA workplace. Photo: CTA

Pace and CTA pitch in on COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts

By John Greenfield | Mar 10, 2021 | No Comments

Pace announced yesterday that it's teaming up with the city of Chicago to make it easier for paratransit users to safely access COVID-19 testing sites. Meanwhile, the CTA provided an update on efforts to vaccinate its workers.

Altgeld Gardens residents returning from Rosebud Farm Stand on the dirt road next to the market a few years ago. The store, the only source for fresh groceries in the neighborhood, has since closed. Photo: John Greenfield

Food, mobility justice advocates join forces at the Chicago Food Justice Summit

By Sharon Hoyer | Mar 3, 2021 | No Comments

Speakers discussed the relationship between safe conditions for pedestrians and good transit access with food security and nutrition.

A CTA bus driver on Sheridan Road early in the pandemic. Photo: John Greenfield

How COVID-19 impacted has Chicagoland public transportation workers

By Igor Studenkov | Mar 2, 2021 | No Comments

During the COVID-19 pandemic, at least 1,874 Chicago area transit workers tested positive for the disease, at least 14 had to be hospitalized and at least 14 passed away.

A Union Pacific North train pulls into the Ravenswood station. Photo: John Greenfield

Metra looks back at 2020 ridership, ticket sales as it plans for the future

By Igor Studenkov | Feb 25, 2021 | No Comments

Essential workers, transit-dependent residents, and bicyclists have made up a higher percentage of riders during the pandemic.

A Metra train pulls into the Palatine station. Photo: Igor Studenkov

Metra is unhappy about the RTA focusing stimulus funds on transit-dependent areas

By Igor Studenkov | Feb 22, 2021 | No Comments

The CTA would get $361 million, while Metra would get only $83 million, and Pace would get $22 million for fixed-route bus service, plus $20 million for paratransit.

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