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.

Connect

greenfieldjohn@hotmail.com

Streetsblog Chicago |News

Murder on Red Line underscores urgent need for holistic CTA violence prevention solutions

This latest tragedy highlights the urgent need for local leaders to think outside the policing box and take constructive action to keep transit riders and workers safe.

John Greenfield

August 20, 2021

Streetsblog Chicago |crime

If you want a safer transit system, support better mental health services

Providing all citizens with adequate mental health support is crucial for creating a safer, more peaceful city.

John Greenfield

July 7, 2021

Streetsblog Chicago |Bicycling

How pedestrian- and bike-friendly are various CTA stations, and why?

Unsurprisingly, he found that pedestrian- and bike-friendly stations tend to be located in denser parts of town, but they also correlate with wealthier and neighborhoods.

John Greenfield

June 3, 2021

Streetsblog Chicago |Bicycling

‘School of Rock’ Drummer Kevin Clark is Killed in Crash

The former child actor is the second high-profile celebrity death by automobile in Chicago in as many months.

John Greenfield

May 26, 2021

Streetsblog Chicago |News

Don’t victim-blame architect Helmut Jahn for his tragic bike crash death

While Jahn reportedly ran a stop sign on his bike, all the facts of his death aren't clear yet, and he deserves our empathy.

John Greenfield

May 10, 2021

Streetsblog Chicago |Federal Policy

RTA survey: Most people who stopped commuting by transit during COVID plan to return

About 80 percent of respondents who weren't riding buses and trains on a frequent basis said they planned to to return to their pre-pandemic commuting habits once worries about the coronavirus ease.

John Greenfield

April 15, 2021

Streetsblog Chicago |Federal Policy

Unnecessary police foot chases endanger suspects, officers, and the public

As with vehicle chases, the issue at stake is the need for officers the weigh the potential threat posed to the public if a suspect is not pursued, with the possible harm that could be inflicted by a chase.

John Greenfield

April 6, 2021

Streetsblog Chicago |Bicycling

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

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.

John Greenfield

April 5, 2021

Streetsblog Chicago |Amtrak

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

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.

John Greenfield

April 5, 2021

Streetsblog Chicago |Bicycling

CDOT to the feds: The new draft of the MUTCD is still way too car-centric

Transportation chief Gia Biagi argued in a letter to the FWHA that the draft version of the next edition of the manual is "far too focused on motor vehicle operations and perpetuates the status quo."

John Greenfield

March 12, 2021

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