Summer Update
Future of CBGN | A Transit-First DLSD | Ride with The Bike Mayor | Tonight in the 40th | Bikeable Schools
Greetings, Bike Grid Enthusiasts!
Are we really half way through the summer, already?! Before another season slips by, here’s what’s cooking on the Grid.
We’ve got some great stuff in progress, and a righteous mission, and a Bike Grid that won’t build itself. That’s where you come in, dear reader.
Unveiling our Steering Committee: 3 organizers take the helm
In our last newsletter, we shared the news about our work on a new and improved leadership structure. We’re thrilled to announce our Steering Committee is finally kicking off! Congrats to Alyssa Edes, Charna Albert, and Chris Gentry. We’re planning to add two more organizers to the mix to move the Grid forward and execute our goals this coming year. Shout out to our founding organizers for bringing us through 2+ years of excellent progress, growth, and community building. We’re excited about Chicago Bike Grid Now 2.0.
Among other things, we plan to make it easier for new folks to get involved. If you’ve tried to plug in with us before and got lost in our Slack void, give us another shot to bring you on board.
Shoot us a note at grassroots@bikegridnow.org. Let us know what brings you to us, and what you might like to get involved in – politicking with alders and local officials, design, social media, comms, event planning, bikeable schools, and whatever else you might be dreaming of.
Bike Grid Adjacent:
Taking Down the Highway on the Lakefront
Gridders pulled off a massive, months-long feat organizing 15 alders, plus a host of ally organizations to call on the Illinois Department of Transportation to scrap a proposed redesign of Dusable Lake Shore Drive that would prioritize even more cars – instead of public transit, bikes, and pedestrians.
The Chicago Tribune published our open letter, “Aldermen: Halt all work on DuSable Lake Shore Drive project” and news orgs like Block Club picked up the story. . This is the most official notice from elected officials that IDOT is headed in the wrong direction on the lakefront.
But the fight isn’t over, and we need you to show out and voice your dissent on August 8 (3-7pm) at Truman College for IDOT’s public meeting. You can also info@ndlsd.org with your comments to be entered into the official record.
In June, we also helped organize a “lemonade stand” to ask roughly 50 Lakefront Trail users if they could envision the lakefront without a highway. Maybe it was the Country Time Lemonade, or the enchanting effect of a bubble machine, but not one person opposed a highway-free lakefront. Let’s support more of these kinds of fun, easy events; the feedback is pretty compelling. Email grassroots@bikegridnow.org and let us know you’re interested in more lakefront related community events.
Ride with The Bike Mayor on Monday, July 22
Yes, he’s known as the Bike Mayor; yes he’s running for higher office; and yes you can ride with him this Monday! John Bauters, the former mayor of Emeryville, CA is known for creating “the ultimate bikeable city” and he’s now running for Supervisor of Alameda County. Supporting this event sends the message that we want this type of bold leadership in Chicago.
Please note that this is not a CBGN event nor an endorsement by CBGN.
Tonight in the 40th
If you’re planning to attend 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez’s Summer Jam Chi tonight, we’re hoping to get a group pic with the alder and folks in the safe streets movement. Look out for Michael McLean to get in on the photo.
Bikeable Schools = one step closer to a Bike Grid
Rather than despairing about our presidential prospects, get involved in a local election flying under the radar. What if Chicago Public Schools had to audit the bikeability and walkability of every school and then publish a report of the results? We’d be taking a giant step closer to Bike Grid reality. The campaign is underway for our first elected school board in over 40 years and right now, we have an opportunity to make bikeability a priority amongst the field of candidates. Let us know if you’re interested in helping out! Email grassroots@bikegridnow.org and let us know you’re interested in Bikeable Schools.
Happy July, everyone – ride safely.
Cheers,
Chicago, Bike Grid Now!