Chicago snags fifth spot on Bike-Friendly Cities ranking

Looks like we’re finally on the right track. Chicago’s gaining ground and outpacing other major hubs that boast a strong, long-established cycling infrastructure like New York City or San Francisco according to a ranking recently released by Bicycling.

The magazine’s editors have ranked U.S. cities according to several significant factors including number and quality of bike lanes, bike routes and racks, number of city bike projects completed and planned, number of bike commuters, popular clubs, unique cycling events and quality bike shops. And Chicago’s doing fairly well, occupying the fifth spot on the list based on overall biking quality; completed works and functional bikeways like the one on Kinzie Street; as well as future developments. A new plan drafted by the Chicago Department of Transportation includes many enhancements and upgrades to the city’s cycling infrastructure as part of the Streets for Cycling 2020 initiative.

The program envisions several major improvements to be completed over the next four years including the construction of a citywide network of 150-250 miles of bike lanes that will transform urban bicycling into a safe, pleasant and appealing experience for all Chicagoans to pursue whole-heartedly. And safe is the key-word here as this is the reason why people avoid biking trips to work, school or the grocery store. The purpose of the Streets for Cycling Plan 2020 is to identify the gaps and barriers in the current bike network and develop a more functional one that can provide a viable alternative to travel by private car for all community members, young and old.

The truth is all of us love biking, and we’re starting to see the benefits of this alternate form of transportation that’s both affordable and green. More and more people commit every day to a healthier way of life; there are a lot of educational programs and events supporting bike culture, including the popular Lake Shore Drive; and our city’s officials seem to play their part beautifully as they stand behind comprehensive eco-friendly projects and environmentally-friendly initiatives, including the freshly announced Bloomingdale Trail, that promise to turn Chicago into a perfect example of green urban living. Way to go, Chicago!