John Greenfield
In addition to editing Streetsblog Chicago, John writes the transportation column for the Chicago Reader weekly paper. A Chicagoan since 1989, he enjoys exploring the city on foot, bike, bus, and 'L' train.
Recent Posts
Chicago Commuter Line Offers 'Mask Optional' Car
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Is the commuter railroad's unique approach to dealing with COVID deniers on trains completely misguided, or so gosh darn irrational that it just might work?
Chicago Gets Pop-Up Pandemic Bus Lanes
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Streetsblog was pushing for pop-up bus lanes months ago when traffic was much lighter and there would have been less potential political backlash to repurposing mixed-traffic lanes but, hey, better late than never.
Keeping People from Parking Scooters on Sidewalks
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Scooter ridership is down this year per vehicle compared to last year, but the average trip length is longer, and the companies have been doing a better job of complying with equity rules.
Chicago Releases Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Plan
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A new equitable transit-oriented development plan published by the city today lays out steps for bringing affordable TOD to all parts of town.
These Plastic Bike Lanes Could Save Lives
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An upcoming bikeway project in Logan Square will demonstrate this fairly cheap, quick, flexible, and effective approach to installing protected lanes that should be repeated across the city.
Why We Should Make Covid-Era "Cafe Streets" Permanent
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Since pedestrianized dining districts are so economically successful and vibrant, and so much more pleasant than the normal car-choked situation, why don't we make them permanent?
Car Impound Fee Reform is a Mobility Justice Issue
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The new ordinance ends impoundment for non-moving violations, reduces fines, caps storage fees, and provides a pathway for Chicagoans to pay their debts and get their vehicles back.
CPD Order Streetsblog to Stop Filming Arrest
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A minor encounter with Chicago Police Department officers underscored the importance of making sure police follow laws protecting freedom of the press.
STREETSBLOG CHICAGO R.I.P. Bike Lane Hater John Forester, a Worthy Adversary
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While Forester's anti-bike lane credo ran contrary to much of what Streetsblog stands for, you still have to respect his tenacity.
Rear-Door Boarding Leaves Disabled Riders Stranded
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This post originally appeared on Streetsblog Chicago and is republished here with permission. CTA bus drivers have every right to be concerned about their health during COVID-19. Even with plummeting transit ridership, dozens of people are riding their vehicles every day, creating the potential for viral exposure. Several CTA employees have tested positive for the […]
Racial Disparities In Stay-At-Home Order Policing
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It makes sense for police to intervene when dangerously violating the pandemic rules. But we must make sure they're not unfairly targeting people of color for enforcement.
Don't Close Parks. Open Streets Instead.
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It's time to close whole regions of the city off to cars — so walkers can spread out.