The Chainlink

Broadway Protected Bike Lane FAIL!

Tonight I rode from Edgewater to Lakeview for volleyball and then back again in the bitter cold. The buffered lanes from Foster to Leland were great. The separated lanes from Leland to Montrose were unrideable due to slush and snow. I had to ride in the remaining one lane of car traffic and it was not wide enough to do safely without taking the lane.The city just does not seem to be able to keep these separated lanes clean or prevent the stores from shoveling their sidewalk snow into them. That combined with the poor quality of pavement closest to the sidewalk in many of these separated lanes makes me not want them. Bring on the buffered lanes and sharrows, but these separated lanes don't work for me in winter. I used to ride Broadway before, but I think I need to switch to Clark Street.

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Permalink Reply by Jeremy on January 8, 2015 at 9:27am

I wonder if we would be better off with fairly narrow protected bike lanes with a curb between the parked cars and the bike lane.  It wouldn't get plowed in the winter, but there would be 9 or 10 months of smooth riding.  It would probably encourage more cyclists overall.  I am comfortable with buffered lanes and sharrows, but I think many people are too nervous to try them out.

Permalink Reply by Mark on January 8, 2015 at 3:26pm

Bring on the BBLs!!!   Another reason why PBLs suck.

Permalink Reply by Sarah D. on January 8, 2015 at 3:31pm

Sol, the CDOT plan to clear these was touted at the last MBAC meeting. I'd call 311 and complain, call CDOT and complain, and then be sure to follow up with the alderman. If they think no one notices, they might let things slide. I do know their resources for bikes are less robust, but they need to hear from us directly. 

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