VOL.1 NO.1
FREE
March/April 2015
A NEWSLETTER FROM THE SOUTH LOOP COMMUNITY
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Cyclists to hit the streets as city thaws Pedestrians concerned about bikes on sidewalks
News
United States for bicycling. The city has aggressively invested in this goal, from the mayor’s plan to install 100 miles of protected bike lanes, to the construction of the Navy Pier Flyover project and Divvy docking stations popping up like daisies throughout the city (10 in South Loop alone). The South Loop, with its proximity to biking trails along the Lakefront Path and events such as Bike the Drive, is especially attractive for bicycle enthusiasts. With this increase in traffic comes the potential for accidents.
Photo: Elaine Hyde A woman rides her bike on the Lakefront Trail by Dusable Harbor, a section of the trail that is designated for pedestrians. By Shanti Nagarkatti | Community Contributor
Longer days, melting snow, and dying the Chicago River green for St. Patrick’s Day are a few signs that spring has arrived in Chicago. To add to the list are swarms of
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bicyclists taking to the streets. Divvy commuters or anyone whose bike has languished in storage over the winter, the first rush of spring can prove exhilarating. Chicago has a national reputation as one of the best large cities in the
A city ordinance prohibits cyclists ages 12 and older from riding their bikes on Chicago sidewalks. The only exceptions are if the sidewalk is officially designated or marked as a bike route, or if the sidewalk is used to enter the nearest street or bike path or access a bike share station. Violators face a fine that ranges from $50-$200. Sidewalks may get even more crowded if the City Council approves a current proposal that would allow senior citizens (65 years and older) to ride their bikes on the sidewalks among pedestrians. Pedestrians, already facing narrow and crowded sidewalks, are expressing their concerns. A resident of Turn to Bike, Page 5
Chopin Garden in Chicago
The Grant Park Conservancy has announced plans for a new statue of Polish composer Frederic Chopin to be built at Michigan Ave. and the 11th St. Bridge. A 5/8 replica of the original in Warsaw, Poland, it will be the centerpiece of the Chopin Garden section of Grant Park.
Construction on Roosevelt Road delayed
The project which started last July, was supposed to be finished by December 1st but is now planned for late summer.
Wireless on the CTA
Get out your smartphones and laptops! Chicago News Channel 7 reports wireless service will be Turn to News, Page 2
Calendar of Events South Loop P6