Chicago bicyclists face yet another betrayal from city officials. Streetsblog reader Steven Irwin flagged an ongoing problem with the city’s handling of bike lanes near Diversey River Bowl, at 2211 W. Diversey Parkway. His concern? The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is playing fast and loose with bikeway safety, which leaves cyclists at a heightened risk of bicycle accidents.
For example, CDOT made bold changes to Logan Boulevard in 2022 and claimed they were prioritizing safety. They also reduced a four-lane “stroad” to two mixed-traffic lanes, a turn lane, and so-called protected bike lanes (PBLs). But now, those promises are crumbling.
CDOT Strips Curb Protection From Logan Boulevard
In late 2022, CDOT installed curb protection on Logan Boulevard between Campbell and Diversey. That protection didn’t last long. According to Irwin, the city removed the concrete curbs on both sides of Logan at Diversey. Instead, they painted some lines and called it a day.
The result? Drivers now use the bike lane as a second right-turn lane, which forces bicyclists into dangerous situations. “CDOT added the danger back into this intersection,” Irwin declared. He’s right. What’s the point of a “protected” bike lane when drivers blatantly block it?
Promises Broken On Diversey
It gets worse. CDOT’s own Planned Bikeways Installation Tracker lists Diversey between Western/Elston and Damen/Clybourn as an “upcoming” bike lane. But Irwin reports the resurfacing is complete, and there’s still no bike lane in sight. Additionally, emails and calls to Ald. Scott Waguespack’s office and CDOT have gone unanswered.
CDOT owes bicyclists an explanation. Why remove protection at Logan? Why delay the promised bike lanes on Diversey? And most importantly, why is the safety of Chicagoans always an afterthought?
A Deadly History Ignored
Logan Boulevard isn’t just another street; it’s a key cycling route that connects Logan Square to Lincoln Park and Lakeview. For years, it comprised flimsy plastic posts that did little to protect riders. It took two tragic deaths to force the city to act.
In 2008, driver negligence killed 22-year-old videographer Tyler Fabeck at Logan and Western. Thirteen years later, Kevin Clark, 32, a drummer for “School of Rock,” lost his life at the same intersection. The city’s response? Install curbs, then quietly rip them out. This decision puts countless others at risk.
Earlier this year, Ride of Silence organizer Elizabeth Adamczyk laid a flower and lit a candle at Fabeck’s ghost bike. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough to urge CDOT to take appropriate action.
Broken Promises And Delays Plague Diversey
Active Transportation Alliance and similar community groups have been fighting for safer Chicago streets for years. In 2018, they partnered with the Logan Square Neighborhood Association and Port Urbanism to demand better bike lanes on Logan Boulevard and Diversey. They achieved some success with the 2022 curb protection, but it was ripped away just as quickly.
Fast-forward to today and the promises made for Diversey remain unfulfilled. CDOT has resurfaced the road but left bicyclists out in the cold. When Streetsblog contacted Ald. Waguespack’s office, Chief of Staff Paul Sajovec said they were waiting for a response from CDOT. That’s not good enough. Bicyclists need action, not excuses.
CDOT’s Hollow Assurances
After being pressed for answers, CDOT finally responded on Christmas Eve Eve. They admitted they removed the concrete curbs at Logan and Diversey to resurface the intersection. Their solution? Install cheap plastic posts “over the next few weeks” and promise concrete protection by 2025.
Unfortunately, plastic delineators offer little real protection. This shows that the city expects bicyclists to risk their lives for another year before they bother to fix the problem properly.
Injured in a Bicycle Accident? Demand Accountability Now
The facts are clear: CDOT’s actions endanger Chicago bicyclists. Bicyclists deserve better and need immediate action to restore protection at Logan and Diversey. Most importantly, Chicago bicyclists need city officials to stop treating bike safety like an afterthought. Chicago’s streets are dangerous enough.
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