Yesterday, Mayor-Elect Emanuel unveiled his transition plan. The 71-page plan—which covers the full spectrum of city services and operations—offers no shortage of goals that relate to biking, walking and transit.
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Overall, we find the plan very encouraging. We’re excited about the goal of building 25 miles of protected bike lanes each year. This will help create a cycling network that allows Chicagoans of all ages and abilities to feel safe riding on city streets.
Creating a robust public bike share system within Emanuel’s first year in office will offer more opportunities for getting around by bike—whether you own a bike or not.
The Bus Rapid Transit corridor mentioned in the plan, on either Western Ave. or Ashland Ave., would run the length of the city and have the potential to connect communities, destinations and train lines across the city. This would be a great step toward increasing transit opportunities quickly.
Finally, we are very pleased with the prospect of Chicago creating and implementing its first pedestrian plan, which will provide a roadmap for building and maintaining streets that are safer and more inviting for people who walk.
These are important steps that will allow Chicago to reclaim its place as a world-class city for active transportation. We’re excited to work with Mayor-elect Emanuel, the Chicago Department of Transportation and CTA to achieve these goals and go beyond them.