Construction of “cycle tracks” along Kinzie between Milwaukee Avenue and Wells Street began Tuesday as part of the mayor’s effort to make Chicago one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country.
On a hot day on a very noisy, busy street, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel fielded questions about recent mob action while breaking ground on 100 miles of protected bike lanes.
When asked about recent mob robberies, Emanuel reminded the media that police "already apprehended" a number of youths. "I want a comprehensive approach" on social media crime, he said.
Emanuel also spoke about the budget, schools, the heat and says he hasn't yet been briefed on the requested blizzard report. He also talked about Chicago's first divided bike lanes, or "cycle tracks," which will be constructed starting this week along Kinzie between Milwaukee Avenue and Wells Street.
The test tracks, which separate cyclist traffic from vehicle traffic, are part of Emanuel's effort to make Chicago one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country.
“These bike lanes will help ensure that all Chicagoans can get to work and travel in their neighborhoods in the safest and most efficient fashion possible," Emanuel said in a statement.
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) originally received a $3.2 million federal grant to build a test track on Stony Island Avenue between 69th and 77th streets, but the project was dropped due to low cyclist traffic, according to officials.
The bike lanes are scheduled to be completed by June 17, which is Chicago's "Bike to Work Day."
