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
Black Motorist Stops Climb in Chicago
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Regardless of the transportation mode, Black Chicagoans are much more likely to be detained by police than their white counterparts.
CHI Asks: Are Speed Fines 'Unfair'?
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The Tribune argues that speed camera tickets are an unjust imposition on drivers, and downplays the safety benefits of the cams, and the societal harm caused by traffic violence.
Are Dashed Bike Lanes Better Than Nothing...Or Not?
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Are they a pragmatic, better-than-nothing approach on streets where stripping parking is seen as a nonstarter. Or are they a depressing capitulation to car culture?
CHI Transit Needs Holistic Violence Prevention
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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.
For Safe Transit, We Need Good Mental Health Services
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Providing all citizens with adequate mental health support is crucial for creating a safer, more peaceful city.
How Ped/Bike-Friendly Are Chicago's Train Stations?
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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.
‘School of Rock’ Drummer Kevin Clark is Killed in Crash
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The former child actor is the second high-profile celebrity death by automobile in Chicago in as many months.
Architect Helmut Jahn Dies in Bike Crash
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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.
SURVEY: Chicagoans Plan To Return to Transit
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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.
It's Time to End Unnecessary Police Chases On Foot
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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.
Chicago Seeks to Remove "Accidents" From Muni Code
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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 COVID-Era Amtrak/Bike Packing Diary
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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.