All Discussions Tagged 'improvement' - The Chainlink2024-03-29T10:39:23Zhttps://thechainlink.org/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=improvement&feed=yes&xn_auth=noThinking outside the box on sustainable transittag:thechainlink.org,2019-04-03:2211490:Topic:11197942019-04-03T18:05:19.424ZDavid S.https://thechainlink.org/profile/DavidS734
<p><em>Capitalism is the Driving force behind Automobiles </em></p>
<p></p>
<p>Major transformation. Outside the box thinking is not 10% improvement. This is a very common motif. Instead, let's think about <em>10x</em> improvement! This is when major change occurs.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Some ideas.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Convert 4/5 streets to bike-pedestrian only. At intersections with automobile, create bike-lane bridges to cross over automobile traffic. Need to create solutions to deal with parking,…</p>
<p><em>Capitalism is the Driving force behind Automobiles </em></p>
<p></p>
<p>Major transformation. Outside the box thinking is not 10% improvement. This is a very common motif. Instead, let's think about <em>10x</em> improvement! This is when major change occurs.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Some ideas.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Convert 4/5 streets to bike-pedestrian only. At intersections with automobile, create bike-lane bridges to cross over automobile traffic. Need to create solutions to deal with parking, package delivery, garbage trucks, moving trucks, emergency vehicles, etc.</p>
<p>Convert major 4-6 lane thoroughfares to two-lane with two to four lanes of bike and pedestrian.</p>
<p>Covered and heated bike lanes for 24/7/365 commuting, removable covering for nice weather.</p>
<p>At least one dedicated (i.e., same as the 606) north-south cross-city bike lane every eight city blocks. (Note that by dedicated, the concept is same as the 606 and lakefront trail, i.e., complete separated from automobile traffic - although lakefront does occasionally meet automobiles at intersections.)</p>
<p>Completely separate cars and bikes, cars and pedestrians.</p>
<p>Downsize all cars to mini-EVs or even mini grid-connected vehicles.</p>
<p>Limit speed limits to 15mph.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Any thoughts on this? Let's get the conversation started.</p>
<p></p>
<p>One quick story. A friend is doing a study on noise and sound pollution and how it is not only damaging to long-term health but also is disorienting in the short-term! What does this lead to in terms of biking? With this in mind, for the past month I have been transitioning from major thoroughfares to back-roads for my 7.5 mile daily city commute. This has been a lot of fun! (In fact, I've had a long-term mantra of taking the "road least traveled" in many aspects of my life.) The reduction in noise and exhaust pollution is incredible, not to mention a feeling of less stress. Speaking for the northeast area, for example, a few roads with bike lanes that are also major thoroughfares are of course Milwaukee, Clybourn, Elston, Damen. Shared bike lanes with big roads are super-important for safety. But in reality, a quiet lane to oneself really great! Is it <em>10x</em> better? It means mostly missing diagonals, such as Lincoln, Milwaukee, Clybourn, Elston. But on a 50-minute ride it only adds about 5-10 minutes in total, with mileage increasing from 7.5 to between only 8.5 and 9.5. What are your thoughts on backroads versus major thoroughfares?</p> Any Pro or Semi-pro cyclists out there? Better shave your legs!tag:thechainlink.org,2014-09-10:2211490:Topic:8556822014-09-10T16:33:39.407ZGreg Berryhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/GregBerry
<p>I came across this story and thought I should share it. The gist being, male cyclist that care about time should grab a lady bic and smooth up those legs (Science commands it!)</p>
<p></p>
<p>Here's a quick quote from the Geek.com:</p>
<p>"New research has called prior findings into question, purporting to show that leg-shaving can reduce drag on a bicycle rider by as much as <em>7%</em>. That’s a rather mind-boggling amount, one which would result in a time-gain of almost 80 seconds per…</p>
<p>I came across this story and thought I should share it. The gist being, male cyclist that care about time should grab a lady bic and smooth up those legs (Science commands it!)</p>
<p></p>
<p>Here's a quick quote from the Geek.com:</p>
<p>"New research has called prior findings into question, purporting to show that leg-shaving can reduce drag on a bicycle rider by as much as <em>7%</em>. That’s a rather mind-boggling amount, one which would result in a time-gain of almost 80 seconds per hour of high-speed riding. For competitive riders that’s an amazing result, though it’s contradicted by research conducted several decades ago which found negligible benefit to shaving."</p>
<p></p>
<p>There is a video in the article showing the set up and how this was tested.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.geek.com/science/study-reveals-leg-shaving-is-essential-for-pro-cyclists-1603929/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews">http://www.geek.com/science/study-reveals-leg-shaving-is-essential-for-pro-cyclists-1603929/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews</a></p> speaking up for bike improvementstag:thechainlink.org,2012-12-07:2211490:Topic:6243242012-12-07T15:23:00.371ZAnne Althttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Anne91
<p>John Greenfield made a good point in his last comment on the <a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/get-ready-for-another-john-kass-column-about-protected-bike-lanes?page=3&commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A624271&x=1#2211490Comment624271" target="_blank">John Kass/Dearborn thread</a>. As we saw with Kinzie and are seeing with the new bike lanes on west side boulevards and other streets, major changes to our streets may generate major resistance. The Dearborn lanes are a…</p>
<p>John Greenfield made a good point in his last comment on the <a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/get-ready-for-another-john-kass-column-about-protected-bike-lanes?page=3&commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A624271&x=1#2211490Comment624271" target="_blank">John Kass/Dearborn thread</a>. As we saw with Kinzie and are seeing with the new bike lanes on west side boulevards and other streets, major changes to our streets may generate major resistance. The Dearborn lanes are a radical change - something the majority of Chicago drivers have never seen.<br/><br/>One of the best things we can do is to write <em>rational</em> letters in support of these improvements. This could take several forms: letters to the editor of the Trib and Sun-Times; letters to Crain's Chicago Business emphasizing how improved bike facilities (lanes, parking, etc.) can create more flexible transportation options for employees and business owners, generate more traffic to neighborhood business districts so businesses there can serve more customers without more car parking, create a new real estate development model, etc.; messages (email or letter) to aldermen in wards with new bike facilities, thanking them for the improvements; messages to CDOT voicing support and/or suggesting ways to fine tune lanes so they work as well as possible; messages to neighborhood chambers of commerce about improving bike friendliness to take advantage or nearby routes; and messages to TV and radio stations asking for some well researched educational pieces aimed at drivers.<br/><br/>People who don't understand the changes are likely to complain about them. Because we <em>do</em> understand, we can educate - friends, neighbors, family members, employees and managers of neighborhood businesses. We can also ask for bike improvements in areas of our own neighborhoods where we think they are needed, and encourage others to do likewise.<br/><br/>In my own neighborhood, as in others with a lower density of bike traffic, it can be a little more challenging, as we often encounter other kinds of <em>density</em>. The need for outreach and education is even more important in these lower density areas, since fewer people "get it."<br/><br/>The fact that we're getting these lanes doesn't guarantee acceptance. We need to get out and ride them, speak up for them, and send the message that bikes are the way of our transportation future across the city.</p> improved Goose Island accesstag:thechainlink.org,2010-01-19:2211490:Topic:1491192010-01-19T20:46:37.703ZAnne Althttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Anne91
How did I miss this news item last fall? I've got a job interview on Goose Island and was trying to figure out my commute options. I was discussing it with a friend, who mentioned that there is now <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesbondsv/3838976064/in/pool-843522@N22/" target="_blank">legitimate bike and ped access from the north</a>. Yeah!<br />
<br />
Way to go, CDOT! This is a very welcome change.
How did I miss this news item last fall? I've got a job interview on Goose Island and was trying to figure out my commute options. I was discussing it with a friend, who mentioned that there is now <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesbondsv/3838976064/in/pool-843522@N22/" target="_blank">legitimate bike and ped access from the north</a>. Yeah!<br />
<br />
Way to go, CDOT! This is a very welcome change.