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John Greenfield

In addition to editing Streetsblog Chicago, John writes the transportation column for the Chicago Reader weekly paper. A Chicagoan since 1989, he enjoys exploring the city on foot, bike, bus, and 'L' train.

Recent Posts

Clockwise from upper-left: Helmut Jahn, Adé Hogue, Paresh Chhtrala, Gerardo Marciales
STREETSBLOG CHICAGO

Advocates Discuss Significance of ‘Ride of Silence’

By John Greenfield | May 16, 2022 | No Comments
It’s been a rough past year for Chicagoans who ride bikes
The driver of a monster pickup truck stops for a family using one of the new pedestrian islands in Columbus Park. Photo: John Greenfield
STREETSBLOG CHICAGO

Neighbors Say Road Diet Causes ‘Traffic Nightmare,’ but Data Tell a Different Story

By John Greenfield | May 12, 2022 | No Comments
In reality, plenty of people benefit from such projects. But the media often highlight the loudest, least-informed voices.
gas-pump
STREETSBLOG CHICAGO

Gas Giveaways Harm People. Don’t Let Rich Politicians do Them.

By John Greenfield | Mar 21, 2022 | No Comments
Gas giveaways don't just benefit some residents while ignoring others, they negatively impact vulnerable people by slowing down buses and creating more emissions.
"Little girl, you should wear reflective safety gear so that grownups in cars won't kill you when you walk in the street at night because there are no sidewalks." Image: National Road Safety Foundation, Chicago Auto Show
STREETSBLOG CHICAGO

Chicago Auto Show producers sponsor contest that produces awful victim-blaming PSAs

By John Greenfield | Mar 11, 2022 | No Comments
Recently Streetsblog contributor A.J. LaTrace discussed the absurdly large SUVs and pickup trucks on display at the Chicago Auto Show. These machines have massive blind spots that make it difficult to detect a child in front of the vehicle, and their absurdly high grilles that basically ensure that a struck pedestrian or bike rider will […]
Eben Weiss. Photo: Elliott Weiss
STREETSBLOG CHICAGO

Podcast: John talks with Eben Weiss, aka Bike Snob NYC, about legalizing the Idaho stop

By John Greenfield | Feb 22, 2022 | No Comments
We also discussed why ultimately U.S. cities should be building citywide networks of connected, protected bikeways with logical traffic light timing, so Idaho stop laws become unnecessary.
Photo illustration
STREETSBLOG CHICAGO

Illinois lawmakers killed an “Idaho stop” bill this week, but one could pass in the future

By John Greenfield | Feb 18, 2022 | No Comments
Treating stop signs like yield signs is nearly universal among bike riders, and Idaho stop laws have been shown to reduce bike injuries. Rep. Janet Yang Roh explained why her bill didn't pass – this time.
Image: Christian Gooden via Creative Commons
STREETSBLOG CHICAGO

Talk on Traffic Cameras

By John Greenfield | Feb 15, 2022 | No Comments
Researchers discuss potential equity issues with the program, as well as sharing the nitty-gritty of their methodology.
Illustration: Rachal Duggan
STREETSBLOG CHICAGO

More Evidence that Speed Cameras Save Lives

By John Greenfield | Jan 7, 2022 | No Comments
The new report compared the changes in crash numbers near speed cameras and citywide between 2012-13 and 2018-2019 and confirmed that collision numbers have stayed relatively low near the cams.
The Montrose Blue Line station and evening rush hour traffic on the Kennedy Expressway. Photo: John Greenfield
STREETSBLOG CHICAGO

Reality check: You can’t solve congestion by widening roads – invest in transit instead

By John Greenfield | Dec 13, 2021 | No Comments
Yes, driving to work in Chicagoland is terrible, but more lanes aren't the answer. We need faster, more frequent, and more reliable CTA and Metra service.
Dan Hampton in 2008. Photo: Mike Shadle via Wikipedia
STREETSBLOG CHICAGO

The DUI Shuffle: Why was ex-Bears star and 4-time offender Dan Hampton still driving?

By John Greenfield | Dec 2, 2021 | No Comments
In a just world, if you've previously committed three DUIs, you wouldn't even have the opportunity to rack up a fourth one.
Paint-and-post sidewalk extension in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. Photo: CDOT
STREETSBLOG CHICAGO

Officials: As traffic deaths continue to climb, Vision Zero must be a top priority

By John Greenfield | Nov 9, 2021 | No Comments
Alderman LaSpata discussed his "crash not accident" ordinance: "There is no intention behind an accident. There is intention behind the actions that lead to traffic crashes and injuries."
A CTA bus on Chicago's Michigan Avenue. Photo: John Greenfield
STREETSBLOG CHICAGO

I’m fairly optimistic about the future of public transportation – if we take action now

By John Greenfield | Nov 4, 2021 | No Comments
As Mark Twain might have said, reports of the death of transit have been greatly exaggerated, but we do need to take decisive action to make buses and trains a more reliable and appealing option.
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