Kinzie. It's what's next.

Hopefully you've heard by now that CDOT will begin construction this week on the city's first protected bike lane: Kinzie Street from Milwaukee Avenue/Desplaines Street to Wells Street.

Full story on Steven Can Plan.

I want to know what you think about this.

What do you feel will need special attention?
Is this the right or wrong location for such a facility? Why?
Are you going to thank/congratulate Rahm, Gabe, and the CDOT Bicycle Program?
Will you use it?

Cycle track and protected bike lane naysayers, this isn't the post for you. But if you've ridden in protected bike lanes before, then I welcome your constructive comments and criticism based on your actual experiences.

The new beginning. Looking southeast at the intersection of Kinzie/Milwaukee/Desplaines.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by James BlackHeron on January 5, 2012 at 10:32am

Might as well just be driving on the sidewalk...

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Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on January 5, 2012 at 11:41am

People from Salt Lake city came to look at it.

Detroit's closing it's underground salt mines and cleaning the Chicago streets for it's supply.

The Morton factory has stopped production and opened a recycling center.

Jeff Schneider said:

There is an insane amount of salt on Kinzie tonight. It's like riding on a beach.

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Permalink Reply by Juan 2-8 mi. on January 22, 2012 at 4:21pm

Thank you pizza delivery! I guess I should have ridden the sidewalk, it was much more ridable anyways!

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Permalink Reply by Cameron 7.5 mi on February 2, 2012 at 7:30pm

Looks like The Gilt Bar has decided that the protected lane makes a good valet loading zone. Much better now that the cyclists have to stop behind their backed up que instead of flying by where they're trying to open doors.

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Permalink Reply by Juan 2-8 mi. on May 8, 2012 at 2:34pm

Why are half the bollards missing?

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Permalink Reply by Duppie 13.5185km on May 8, 2012 at 4:14pm

The city took them out last week. They left the ones at the corners, but removed all of them across the parking lane.

Juan said:

Why are half the bollards missing?

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C on May 8, 2012 at 4:21pm

I noticed it last week as well. Just speculating, but they might have installed more than necessary until people (drivers, bikers, parkers) got used to the geography. The absence of bollards doesn't appear to make the bike lane any less protected.