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.

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greenfieldjohn@hotmail.com chi.streetsblog.org

Streetsblog Chicago |COVID-19

Chicago businesses: Here’s what’s required to use parking lanes to enable outdoor seating

It turns out that the bureaucratic hoops aren't especially onerous, and they're a relative bargain thanks to the city waiving some of the associated fees.

John Greenfield

October 29, 2020

Streetsblog Chicago |COVID-19

To help restaurants and bars survive winter, let’s make it easy to use car space for seating

There are plenty of ways Chicago can help restaurants and bars survive this extremely challenging period -- if city officials are willing to be flexible, generous, and proactive to help them out.

John Greenfield

October 27, 2020

Streetsblog Chicago |Driving

Raising city gas tax isn’t a perfect solution, but it could help prevent COVID carmaggedon

Raising the city gas tax a few cents a gallon would help deter unnecessary car trips while addressing the budget shortfall, without causing undue fiscal pain for residents.

John Greenfield

October 22, 2020

Streetsblog Chicago |News

Can’t hurt, might help: Low-speed electric tuk-tuks could reduce traffic injuries, emissions

As long new low-speed, electric transportation modes don't cause any other major problems, I say the more, the merrier.

John Greenfield

October 1, 2020

Streetsblog Chicago |Bicycling

Chicago-Indiana commuter rail line tries quarantining anti-maskers in a separate car

Is the commuter railroad's unique approach to dealing with COVID deniers on trains completely misguided, or so gosh darn irrational that it just might work?

John Greenfield

September 23, 2020

Streetsblog Chicago |COVID-19

Chicago Gets Pop-Up Pandemic Bus Lanes

Streetsblog was pushing for pop-up bus lanes months ago when traffic was much lighter and there would have been less potential political backlash to repurposing mixed-traffic lanes but, hey, better late than never.

John Greenfield

September 21, 2020

Streetsblog Chicago |Infrastructure

How to Keep People from Parking Scooters on Sidewalks

Scooter ridership is down this year per vehicle compared to last year, but the average trip length is longer, and the companies have been doing a better job of complying with equity rules.

John Greenfield

September 16, 2020

Streetsblog Chicago |Equity

Chicago Releases Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Plan

A new equitable transit-oriented development plan published by the city today lays out steps for bringing affordable TOD to all parts of town.

John Greenfield

September 14, 2020

Streetsblog Chicago |Bicycling

Let’s install cheap, quick plastic curb-protected bike lanes all over Chicago

An upcoming bikeway project in Logan Square will demonstrate this fairly cheap, quick, flexible, and effective approach to installing protected lanes that should be repeated across the city.

John Greenfield

September 12, 2020

Streetsblog Chicago |COVID-19

Chicago’s Cafe Streets have been hugely successful. Let’s make them permanent.

Since pedestrianized dining districts are so economically successful and vibrant, and so much more pleasant than the normal car-choked situation, why don't we make them permanent?

John Greenfield

September 1, 2020

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