Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about equity

Lori’s Proposal to End License Suspensions for Non-Moving Violations Is a Good Idea

By John Greenfield | Jul 24, 2019 | 9 Comments

With the exception of blocked crosswalks and bike lanes, parking violations don't pose a threat to public safety, so they shouldn't result in license suspensions that can create a debt spiral.

26th Street in Chicago's Little Village. Image: Google Street View

How Transportation Advocates Can Be Allies During Immigration Crackdowns

By Lynda Lopez | Jul 22, 2019 | 9 Comments

We can't have truly livable cities if immigrants don’t feel safe walking down the street or riding transit.

The CDOT headquarters at 30 North LaSalle. Image: Google Maps

Mayor Lightfoot, Here’s My Wish List for the Next CDOT Commish

By Courtney Cobbs | Jul 9, 2019 | 18 Comments

Streetsblog writer Courtney Cobbs wants a CDOT chief who will bring about "positive equitable and transformative change" and has a list of concrete suggestions on how to make this happen.

An Open Letter to Lori From South Side Youth Requesting Free Transit for CPS Students

By Lynda Lopez | Jun 13, 2019 | 28 Comments

Students from Back of the Yards College Prep asked the new mayor to make riding the CTA free for students to encourage attendance and reduce car emissions.

Sharing the road with trucks on the California Avenue bridge over the Sanitary and Ship Canal. Image: Google Maps

Making the Southwest Side Bikeable Requires Addressing Environmental Racism

By Lynda Lopez | Jun 7, 2019 | 50 Comments

Simply striping bike lanes on streets plagued by heavy truck traffic, or next to pollution-spewing factories is not a holistic solution to creating healthier streets.

A mural honoring Marlen Ochoa-Lopez in Pilsen. Photo: Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune

Why Violence Against Women on the South and West Sides Is a Mobility Justice Issue

By Lynda Lopez | May 23, 2019 | 11 Comments

The murder of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, and other recent missing-person cases, have made women walking and riding transit in lower-income communities of color feel less safe.

Rendering of the Emmet Street development.

Thanks to “Overwhelming Support,” the Logan Affordable TOD Plan Is Moving Forward

By John Greenfield | May 14, 2019 | 5 Comments

Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa said that after taking input from over a thousand residents, he's recommending the project to the zoning committee.

Residents show support for a speaker at last night's hearing by displaying green cards. Photo: John Greenfield

Vast Majority of Residents at Last Night’s Hearing Support Logan Affordable TOD Plan

By Lynda Lopez | Apr 25, 2019 | 14 Comments

Although a vocal minority of detractors spoke against the 100-percent affordable development by the Logan Blue Line stop, 78 percent of attendees voted to support the plan.

My Experiences as a Black Man Navigating the Streets of Chicago

By James Porter | Apr 19, 2019 | 4 Comments

Streetsblog reporter James Porter, the son of a policeman, discusses how police profiling has affected his travels through the city.

This food delivery cyclist in River North did an "Idaho Stop," stopping at the red light, checking to make sure the intersection was clear, and then proceeding before the light turned green. This move is technically illegal in Chicago, but two-thirds of local cyclists ride this way, according to a DePaul study. Photo: John Greenfield

Breakin’ the Law: What Should We Do About Cyclists Who Don’t Play By the Rules?

By John Greenfield | Apr 11, 2019 | 32 Comments

While some kinds of lawbreaking on two wheels are truly inexcusable, most should be addressed with better infrastructure rather than enforcement, and some shouldn't be illegal at all.

A road bike rider passes other cyclists on the Lakefront Trail south of Fullerton. Photo: John Greenfield

Class, Race, and Sharing Space on the Lakefront Trail

By Lynda Lopez | Apr 9, 2019 | 74 Comments

It's vital to always consider whether we are making room for others as we ride.

Romina Castillo, Dan Black, Lynda Lopez, and Adonia Lugo. Photo: John Greenfield

“Bicycle / Race” Author Adonia Lugo Offers Advice on Building “Human Infrastructure”

By Lynda Lopez and John Greenfield | Apr 7, 2019 | 6 Comments

Lugo discussed why cities need to pay as much attention to the "software" of community relationships as the hardware of transportation infrastructure.

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