Chicago to upgrade all protected bike lanes with concrete barriers by end of 2023

CHICAGO – Chicago programs to update all safeguarded bicycle lanes with concrete limitations by the conclusion of 2023 in what officers connect with “the greatest growth and improve of minimal pressure bikes routes in city record.”

The Chicago Division of Transportation, which is constructing the safeguarded bicycle lanes, stated Wednesday it programs to enhance 15 miles of existing delineator-shielded bike lanes with concrete obstacles this 12 months, although including another 10 miles of new protected bicycle lanes.

All remaining shielded bicycle lanes will be upgraded to have concrete obstacles by the finish of 2023, CDOT reported in a news release.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FOX 32 YOUTUBE CHANNEL

“Public protection is not only about our emergency reaction departments, it can be also about making infrastructure that tends to make the community way safer for all,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “By leveraging funds from the Chicago Performs Capital Program, we are psyched to kick off the greatest bicycle lane upgrade the town has ever carried out.”

CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi reported the use of concrete curbs will be “the common for new shielded bike lanes” in the city.

A cyclist is observed in a bike lane on Logan Boulevard east of Western Avenue in Chicago on Oct. 4, 2021. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Support via Getty Visuals / Getty Visuals)

“Barrier shielded lanes are the most effective way to make biking a safer and more cozy transportation alternative for all people, and this calendar year we’re including additional than at any time,” Biagi said.

CDOT will start putting in new concrete curbs this 7 days alongside Kinzie Road among Milwaukee Avenue and Wells Avenue, according to the agency.

Among the bicycle lanes that will receive concrete barrier curbs this year include things like: 

• Kinzie Street amongst Milwaukee and Wells
• Lake Street amongst Pulaski and Damen
• Logan Boulevard involving Rockwell and Diversey
• Milwaukee Avenue among Addison and Irving Park, Chicago and Division, and Kinzie and Ohio
• Independence Boulevard concerning Douglas and Harrison
• Douglas Boulevard among Independence and Sacramento and
• 119th Road involving Ashland and Halsted and Main Taylor Path.

By the conclude of this calendar year, CDOT will have included far more than 125 miles of new bikeways to the procedure since 2020, the agency reported.

The job is staying funded by Lightfoot’s Chicago Works funds plan, the agency said.