If you've ever wished there were an easier way to figure out which areas of the city are friendliest to those on foot, then you'll be excited about Walk Score's new walkability maps and neighborhood rankings. Walk Score today published rankings for the most walkable cities (Chicago is ranked fourth), as well as the most walkable neighborhoods in each city -- in Chicago: the Loop, Near North Side, Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Uptown. They also have wonderful color-coded walkability maps for each city illustrating which areas are most walkable.

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.

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.

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 .