Newsletter: October 2023
October 24, 2023
This Sunday, join Urban Environmentalists, Better Streets Chicago, Active Transportation Alliance, and Chicago Family Biking for a bike jam and people protected bike lane where UE volunteer and…
Halsted People Protected Bike Lane
content warning: traffic violence
This Sunday, join Urban Environmentalists, Better Streets Chicago, Active Transportation Alliance, and Chicago Family Biking for a bike jam and people protected bike lane where UE volunteer and Sierra Club Political Chair David Teeghman was recently hit by a hit-and-run driver while biking in a painted bike lane.
The goal of the bike jam and people protected bike lane is to raise awareness about the dangers that cyclists face in Chicago and to demand that the Chicago Department of Transportation accelerate its deployment of protected bike infrastructure across all neighborhoods of Chicago.
Halsted is a particularly dangerous street for cyclists and pedestrians, with over 160 pedestrian and cyclist injuries reported between North and Addison.
CDOT has previously stated that changing a painted bike lane to aprotected bike lane reduces crashes by 56%, and reduces injuries by 71%.
Biking is the most environmentally friendly, affordable, and fun way to get around Chicago. We shouldn't have to risk our lives to live a greener, healthier, and happier life.
We hope to see you on Sunday!
Happy Hour Featuring Daniel Knowles
On Wednesday, October 18th, join Urban Environmentalists, Active Transportation Alliance, and Bike Grid Now for a happy hour featuring special guest Daniel Knowles, author of the book 'Carmageddon: How Cars Make Life Worse and What to Do About It'.
We will be meeting at Revolution Brewing Taproom from 5:30-7:00 p.m. The taproom is a 10-minute walk from the Belmont Blue Line CTA station, and a five-minute walk from Belmont Ave CTA Bus Route 77.
Show up for 609 Lincoln Park Homes
On Monday, October 16th at 7:00 p.m., there will be a public hearing discussing the 609 homes proposed by Sterling Bay at 1840 N Marcey.
The meeting will be held in-person only at Binny's Tasting Room (putting a contentious community meeting inside a liquor store? What could go wrong!)
There is a highly organized opposition to these homes, so you won't want to miss this public hearing!
P.S. We'll have UE/YIMBY swag to give out to folks who show up in person to give public comment 😏
Art Deco Skyscrapers Under Attack
The Federal government is still trying to tear down two 100+ year old terracotta-clad skyscrapers in the Loop. The skyscrapers, which were acquired by the General Services Administration and previously slated to be rehabbed into over 400 apartments, are still at risk due to outrageous security concerns.
As Lee Bey eloquently stated, "The building's demolition would create an economic and pedestrian dead zone on State Street, something neither the street nor the city can afford. And it would be a shameful waste of some really good Chicago architecture."
You can write in support of rehabbing and adapting the historic skyscrapers for future generations by submitting a public comment via the Draft Environmental Impact Statement comment form.
