Ald. Solis, CDOT Commish Klein to ride for protected bike lanes in 25th Ward

Ald. Danny Solis hosts the annual Bike the 25th Ward on Sunday, and will ride with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commissioner Gabe Klein to highlight a .55 mile stretch of 18th Street (Clinton to Clark) that will receive a new protected bike lane this year.

The route for the event covers five-miles within the 25th Ward and touches Pilsen, Chinatown, University Village and Little Italy.

Come join the fun! Registration for the event begins at 9 a.m. and the ride kicks off at 10 a.m. at Harrison Park, 1824 S. Wood St.

The new protected bike lane will provide a safe route for residents traveling to the 18th St./Halsted Arts District, downtown, and the Lakefront Trail by reducing vehicular travel lanes and adding protected biking lanes.

Protected bike lanes are beneficial for all people using the street, making it safer for people who are driving, walking and biking. The new lane on 18th Street will:

• Reduce travel lanes to conform with adjacent roadway
• Encourage more people of all ages and ability to bike
• Connect to other existing bikeways
• Add bicycle-friendly plates on the 18th St. Bridge
• Provide connection to the Lakefront Trail
• Improve storm grates on bridge

“I am very excited to have these newly piloted protected bike lanes in the 25th Ward, said Ald. Solis. This is a great opportunity to improve the health and safety of our community. The location of the lanes is ideal to connect residents of the ward to the Lakefront, downtown, and Halsted Street Arts District.

Work on the bike lanes is projected to begin in October 2011 with completion anticipated in early November 2011.