The Chainlink

Capitalism is the Driving force behind Automobiles 

Major transformation. Outside the box thinking is not 10% improvement. This is a very common motif. Instead, let's think about 10x improvement! This is when major change occurs.

Some ideas.

Convert 4/5 streets to bike-pedestrian only. At intersections with automobile, create bike-lane bridges to cross over automobile traffic. Need to create solutions to deal with parking, package delivery, garbage trucks, moving trucks, emergency vehicles, etc.

Convert major 4-6 lane thoroughfares to two-lane with two to four lanes of bike and pedestrian.

Covered and heated bike lanes for 24/7/365 commuting, removable covering for nice weather.

At least one dedicated (i.e., same as the 606) north-south cross-city bike lane every eight city blocks. (Note that by dedicated, the concept is same as the 606 and lakefront trail, i.e., complete separated from automobile traffic - although lakefront does occasionally meet automobiles at intersections.)

Completely separate cars and bikes, cars and pedestrians.

Downsize all cars to mini-EVs or even mini grid-connected vehicles.

Limit speed limits to 15mph.

Any thoughts on this? Let's get the conversation started.

One quick story. A friend is doing a study on noise and sound pollution and how it is not only damaging to long-term health but also is disorienting in the short-term! What does this lead to in terms of biking? With this in mind, for the past month I have been transitioning from major thoroughfares to back-roads for my 7.5 mile daily city commute. This has been a lot of fun! (In fact, I've had a long-term mantra of taking the "road least traveled" in many aspects of my life.) The reduction in noise and exhaust pollution is incredible, not to mention a feeling of less stress. Speaking for the northeast area, for example, a few roads with bike lanes that are also major thoroughfares are of course Milwaukee, Clybourn, Elston, Damen. Shared bike lanes with big roads are super-important for safety. But in reality, a quiet lane to oneself really great! Is it 10x better? It means mostly missing diagonals, such as Lincoln, Milwaukee, Clybourn, Elston. But on a 50-minute ride it only adds about 5-10 minutes in total, with mileage increasing from 7.5 to between only 8.5 and 9.5. What are your thoughts on backroads versus major thoroughfares?

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In all of the hubbub over budgets, just pointing out that the US could spend a lot more money on infrastructure if it was spending a lot less money on wars abroad and, in general, imperialistic ventures (maybe whether or not moon landings fall into the category of imperialism is a discussion for another day). No doubt, Curt, wars for oil are very lucrative ventures. But is it sustainable? Not going to apologize for wishing to share super-fun, healthy mode of transportation with love ones, Grandma, Grandpa, little Suz and Roni.


The thing is that you can wish in one hand and spit in the other , and I think that we know which will be filled 1st.

"wanting to share"



"We've appeased non-smokers... Now, let's appease non-drivers! Divide cities into two sections: Driving and Non-Driving."

"Figure 8.8 Divide cities into two sections: Driving and non-driving. Source: Andy Singer ("

Well you're speaking of a planned community, where the whole place is centrally-planned by the developer, to favor the priorities of the era.

The Chicago area has had its share of 'planned communities' over the years.  Pullman one of the earliest.  Followed by Riverside and Park Forest in the 20th century.  None of them have retained the vision of the initial developer.  And IMO they've all fallen victim to the expansion of American car culture.

Not that way in Sweden, and other socialistic countries elsewhere in the world.  Most of the housing in Sweden is built and owned by the state; there is little private ownership.  Communities are built out in forests around underground train stations, with very narrow lanes for cars; biking and walking are encouraged.  And large chunks of natural areas are retained adjacent to the development, with facilities for biking, running, swimming, community saunas, and skiing nearby. 

In my opinion, if the US is going to really develop non-driving communities, we're going to have to swing much further toward Socialism.


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