IL: Emanuel, Quinn Hope Bicycles Fill the Missing Link in Mass Transit

[marmar]

Dec. 16--Going from bicycle to train and even to airplane could be a breeze thanks to new funding designed to encourage creative solutions to urban congestion, officials said Thursday.

A $20 million federal transportation grant for Chicago that was first announced Monday will allocate $16 million toward repairs on the CTA Blue Line O'Hare branch and $4 million for the city's planned bicycle-sharing project set to start next year, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Pat Quinn said during an event at the Logan Square Blue Line station, 2620 N. Milwaukee Ave.

The Logan Square neighborhood near the CTA stop is a candidate to get one of 300 bike-sharing stations in 2012, Emanuel said. The city plans to provide 3,000 bikes for short-term use, for free or a modest fee, starting in June, to encourage less driving and more use of mass transit, and to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

The mass transit-bicycling connection encourages bike use before or after using transit, officials said. Users will pick up a bike from a self-service docking station, ride to their destination and drop off the bike at the nearest station. ..................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/10537109/il-emanuel-quinn-hope-bicycles-fill-the-missing-link-in-mass-transit

[kestrel91316]

1. I sure hope they have bike lanes. Otherwise it's a complete waste.

Here in Los Angeles I have to use the sidewalk when I bike except the last 3 blocks near my home.

[JDPriestly]

2. I loved bicycling as a kid, but now with arthritis and other problems,

I just don't think my knees would take it.

Are there any older DUers who can still bicycle?

Do you have a secret.

[Kennah]

3. I was a daily bike commuter for almost 3 years

Rode 2 miles each way to the Sounder Train Station in Sumner, WA where I locked up my bike in a locker--$50 a year rental. Then I rode the train to Seattle. I was 41, now I'm 44, so perhaps I have an age advantage.

When I was considering going back onto a bike, I pulled my '86 Schwinn World out of the garage, pumped up the tires, and took it for a spin around the cul-de-sac. A road bike and I didn't feel like an ideal fit anymore. I bought a Kona Dew, commuter bike. Upright, comfy ride position, thumb shifters so my hands stay on the handlebars, and I'm very happy with it.

After 7 months unemployed, I'm back to work, but driving 30+ miles each way. Once we move, hopefully in January, I'll go back to bike commuting.

First year, I rode from June to late October/early November.

Second year I resumed in late March/early April, and my car was totaled that June. Couldn't afford to replace the car, so I resolved to ride year round. Pulled a fleece ski mask and gloves out of the closet, and I was comfy. Hands and face were the things I had to protect to enjoy the ride.

Third year, I bought some rainpants and the rain no longer deterred me from riding. Other than a few days when there was snow and ice on the ground, I was a year round rider. My plan is to pick up a Craigslist free mountain bike and put studded tires on it for the snow and ice.

If you're interested in biking, there is a forum here. However, bikeforums.net is awesome. Commuter bikes can be a lot easier on older bodies. Recumbent bikes and trikes are much easier on the body, but they are pricier.