The After-Work Picnic and Concert: Pritzker Pavilion Season Starts Soon!

by crandell | 04/20/2008

UL_785908_11050735483_l.jpg

Every summer I feel guilty for not going to enough shows at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, and this year I'm determined to take better advantage of having such an incredible place so close to home and work. While many Chicagoans still flock to Ravinia for an outdoor concert and picnic experience, I think our own little gem downtown beats Ravinia hands-down. Not only is the Pritzker Pavilion almost always free, but it has an incredible sound system, a spectacular view and sense of place, and a convenient location easily accessible by transit and bike. In other words, going to a show at the Pritzker Pavilion doesn't have to be a special event -- it can be a regular after-work treat.

Transit Maps + More Transit Maps!

by crandell | 04/08/2008

BusTracker.png

Two new transit map services debuted this week from the CTA and Google that make it easier for riders to plan their trips. Google has added Chicago to the growing number of cities it offers public transit trip planning for on Google Maps -- allowing riders to use the familiar interface to plan their rides. A great added feature is that it provides an estimated cost comparison for the trip by transit and driving. My work commute at $2.00 per train trip came in as a cost savings over driving at $2.25 per trip. It would be wonderful to see a carbon calculator added in as well for driving and transit directions.

Auto Show Shutdown Feb. 9

by crandell | 02/06/2008

In response to (and in front of) the annual sick celebration of automobile culture at McCormick Place, the Auto Show Shutdown celebrates responsible transportation. Show up on Saturday to join in the fun.

From their website:

The Ninth Annual Chicago Auto Show SHUTDOWN Festival will take place on Saturday, February 9th, 2008. A diverse coalition of cyclists, pedestrians, transit activists, and other citizens advocating for responsible transportation will assemble at 1:00 pm, at the main entrance of McCormick Place South on King Drive, just south of Cermak Road, for a peaceful demonstration and celebration of car culture alternatives. Cyclists will meet at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago at 12 noon for a bike parade to the SHUTDOWN Festival site.

For more, visit http://autoshowshutdown.org .

"Pedestrian Hell" Exhibit, Special Event Feb. 15

by crandell | 02/06/2008

An Exhibit at Efebos Café

SPECIAL EVENT: February 15, 6:30: Come to discuss Pedestrian Topics such as Public Transit, Car-Sharing, Bicycling – you can rant a little bit if it helps you feel better, share information and ideas, and try some of Efebos’ delicious food.

1640 S. Blue Island Ave. (view larger map) (near 18th Street Blue/Pink Line stop)

Exhibit open January 25 (opening reception 6:30) – March 6 (2008)

With: Janina Ciezadlo, Miguel Cortez, Tom Sibley, Rebecca Wolfram

Call Efebos 312-633-9212 (efeboscafe@sbcglobal.net), or Rebecca 773-523-7275

From http://artpilsen.blogspot.com/2008/01/pedestrian-hell.html

The Winter City: Snow, Shoveling and Surviving

by crandell | 01/20/2008

356052327_c4280c3e0b_o.jpg

The thing I love about Chicago winter is that the city keeps going despite the snow and -5 degree temperatures. People are still out and about, walking and biking, and I get to break out my galoshes, which are indispensable in this weather. I think a vibrant street full of people feels all the more vibrant when the sidewalks are covered in snow -- and people don't let it stop them.

Unfortunately, the snow and ice can make it more difficult to get around, and it does stop some people from going out. If I sometimes have trouble getting around as a healthy 27-year-old, then I can only imagine the difficulty for senior citizens and the disabled. That's why it's so important that our sidewalks be cleared of ice and snow. While the city plows our streets, they don't see the necessity in keeping our sidewalks clear. The City of Chicago requires all property owners to clear the snow in front of their own property: