Systems Group Project
Group Members
Design Strategy
Interlinking bike transportation throughout the city of Chicago. Improving areas for storage. Intergrate bike storage and transportation utilizing pre-existing unused space, making paths and stations more accessible to the public and spreading knowledge of the bikers rights.
Work Deadlines and Tasks
DEADLINE - 9.18.2007
- Detailed Systems to Explore
- Proposals
- Transport/Market Research
Transportation Group
Tune
SIGNS, DISPLAYS, AND EDUCATION ! YA!
I will be analysing road systems. Particularily where the oppurtunities lay within downtown chicago.
Road construction aggrevates everybody especially in the city.
The massive grid systems of roads in the City of Chicago is a tangled mess for bicyclists.
For Chicago's roads to be friendly to all levels of riders there needs to be:
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Signs leading to storage/parking locations.
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Signs leading to safer routes.
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Signs addressing cautions and safety hazards to bikers.
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Signs cautioning truck routes.
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Signs cautioning high speed areas.
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Signs cautions weather hazards for
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Signs leading to Cta lines, Metra rails, Bus Stations etc.
__Where to park, How to transfer a bike safely, Where are bikes not allowed ( Is iconography the best solution there? or should we go all-out LCD screen that loops safety videos? 24/7)
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The Signs have to be low-cost, easily re-producable.
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Can the low heat LCD screens be used throuhout the city? (similar to many billboards on the highway like I-294).
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They have to be weather and theft proof.
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Readable in all biking conditions.
- I saw this being a service that patrols the city in an SUV.
- Equiped with all the neccessities for a rider throughout the city.
- Responds to distress signals similar to the job of the police.
- In case a riders bike is compleatly destroyed, the car comes with a foldable loaner bike that has to be returned to the service after the riders bike is fixed. (($$))
- The patroler has to keep records of all the bike locations for dangerous bike to bike and bike to car conflicts.
- Also has the responsibility to maintain and keep storage devices running smoothely.
- Can function as an escort service for families that are not familiar with the region. Medical emergencies etc.
http://www.bikeleague.org
The League began as the League of American Wheelmen (LAW) in 1880, and was responsible for defending the rights of cyclists from its start. The League of American Wheelmen is credited with getting paved roads in this country before the reign of the automobile.
http://www.biketraffic.org/ Bike Fed new proj goal -
Ever had a six-lane interstate expressway all to yourself? Neither have we! Get a bicycling sneak of the I-355 extension Nov. 11 before it opens to car traffic. Roll the Tollway tickets are available now . The once-in-a-lifetime bicycling event benefits local bicycle clubs’ efforts to build a trail that runs parallel with I-355.
http://www.biketraffic.org/safebicycling/ - Has a simple interface asking questions a beginner biker would question.
What equipment do I need?
How to find Repair Problems?
How to lock your bike?
Why should you wear a helmet?
Whats the law about bikes?
ETC...
Can these questions be put into a real life interactive display in the streets of Chicago?
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Displays from companies like Daktronicks are revolutionising the way products can be displayed. Its eye catching, low maintenance, and
3. http://www.eink.com/technology/
Kate
hEY KATE! LOOK MORE INTO TYPES OF STORAGE ON THE METRA FOR BIKERS. AND KEEP GOING ON SCHOOL BIKE PROGRAMS USED AS A SYSTEM! gOOD sTUFF!
Group Work: KATE
Design Brief: We want to provide a system that integrates bike storage and transportation. We plan to utilize pre-existing space and unused trails/tracks to ultimately promote people to bike more. This system will make bike commutes to and throughout the city more accessible to the public and also spread knowledge of biker's rights and responsibilities.
Transportation
1. metra
2. chicago bike trails
3. suburbs
1. Metra Bike Program: http://www.metrarail.com/Special_Promotions/bikes_on_trains.html
Metra’s Bikes on Trains program is designed to enable cyclists to bring their standard-form bicycles on board trains during weekday off-peak hours and on weekends. Three bicycles are allowed in the priority seating area in each accessible diesel rail car; two in each electric railcar. There is no additional charge to your Metra fare to take a bicycle on board the train.
Cyclists will be accommodated on a first come, first serve basis. Metra reserves the right to prohibit bicycles if coaches are crowded or access is impeded, and we make no assurances that space will be available for bicycles. Standard bicycles that do not exceed 70 inches in length are permitted on designated trains; tricycles, tandems, trailers, bulky attachments, training wheels or powered bicycles are prohibited.
Basically, these rules and regulations, in my opinion, make it very difficult for people to commute with their bikes. These are the times you are allowed to bring your bike aboard: all weekday trains arriving in Chicago after 9:30 AM and leaving Chicago before 3:00 PM and after 7:00 PM, and on all weekend trains. I think they could make this a lot easier by possible having one or two cars devoted to bikes. They could create a space to store the bike instead of securing it in the handicapped seating. By doing so, there would be a space for everyone. Metra mentions bringing your bike on is first come first serve. This would constantly put you at the risk of not even being able to bring your bike on at all. I commute from the suburbs and would gladly bring my bike up, but the hours I am allowed to do not coincide with the hours I would actually need to ride metra. If metra could untegrate a new system for transporting bikes, I believe there would be many more people that would bring their bikes on board. This in turn would also lessen the use of cars in the suburbs because the commuters could ride their bike to the station, bring it onboard, and ride it back home.
2. chicago bike trails: http://www.cityofchicago.org/Transportation/bikemap/keymap.html
This is a website that will let you enter your zipcode or general neighborhood in Chicago and show you everything you need to know about bike trails and lanes. For example, here is an image of the Lake View neighborhood. 
It shows existing bike lanes, existing marked shared lanes, recommended bike routes, existing off-street trails, proposed off-street trails, open metal grate bridges, bike shop locations, and CTA stations with indoor parking (most trnsit stations have outdoor bike racks).
Here are some images of the types of bikeways:
5’ to 6’ wide section on each side of the street reserved for
bicycle use.
Usually established on streets with lots of traffic.
Special pavement markings and signs identify the lanes.
Cars and bicycles share the street.
Usually established on streets with lots of traffic that are too narrow for bike lanes.
Special pavement markings direct bicyclists to ride outside the "Door Zone" (see "Door Zone" panel). Markings and signs also encourage cars to share the lane with bicyclists. route or commercial access and are not wide enough to stripe bike lanes.
Cars and bicycles share the lane.
Many bike routes have signs showing the direction and distance
to the destinations (e.g. the Loop, the lakefront).
Bike routes are usually on streets that aren't wide enough for
bike lanes but are good streets for biking.
Paved paths separated from the road for bicyclists, walkers, runners,
and in-line skaters (such as the Lakefront Trail).
Besides just showing trails and lanes, this site also gives bikers great tips for sharing the trail.
1. Keep to the right.
2. Yield to pedestrians and slower moving traffic except when passing. Slow down when there are lots of users on the trail.
3. Use your path.
4. Don't ride on designated walking or running paths.
5. Be careful at crossings. Look both ways.
6. Cyclists: yield to through traffic at intersections. Remember, pedestrians have the right of way.
7. Pedestrians: exercise caution. Be aware of the stopping limitations of cyclists and skaters.
8. Advise others when passing.
9. Sound your bell or horn or call out when approaching pedestrians or slower cyclists, then pass safely on the left.
They also give basic rules for bikes on transit:
CTA Buses and Trains
Bring your bike on all CTA trains except weekdays 7:00-9:00 am and 4:00-6:00 pm. (Note: if trains are too crowded, bikes may be prohibited.) For more information on taking bicycles on trains or buses or for a free copy of the “Bike & Ride” brochure and
route map, call 1-800-YOUR-CTA or visit www.transitchicago.com
Metra Trains
Bring your bike on all Metra trains except weekday trains arriving in Chicago before 9:30 am and leaving Chicago between 3:00-7:00 pm. (Note: If trains are too crowded, bikes may be prohibited.
Bicycles are also prohibited on certain holidays.)
For more information, including rules and regulations, schedules and fares, call 836-7000 or visit www.metrarail.com
PACE Buses
For route information, call 312-836-7000 or visit www.pacebus.com
Bicycle Racks on Buses
Bicycle racks are available on the front of all CTA and PACE buses. Bicycles can be placed on the bicycle racks during the normal hours of operation for each route. Racks accommodate two bicycles at a time.Remove large accessories from your bike before loading your bike. If you’re concerned about the safety of your bicycle, lock your bicycle’s front wheel to your frame before the bus arrives.
Alert the bus operator that you need to lower the rack.
Lower the rack by squeezing the handle. If another bicycle is in position, the rack will already be lowered. If the bicycle rack is full, wait for the next bus.
Lift your bicycle so it sits in the empty wheel well. If yours is the first bicycle to be loaded, place it in the position nearest the bus, with the front wheel facing the curb. If yours is the second bicycle to be loaded, place it with the rear wheel facing the curb.
Swing the bicycle support arm over the front tire to hold the bicycle in place. Locks may not be used to secure the bicycles to the racks. Board the bus and pay your fare.
Your bicycle rides free! When you come to your stop, get off the bus at the front and tell the operator that you’ll be taking your bicycle off. The operator will make sure you’re clear of the bus before leaving the stop. Never step into traffic
I think this website is amazing. One of the reasons people don't commute is because of their lack of knowledge. I can personally vouch for that by admitting that I am scared to bike in the city simply because I'm not really sure what you can and can't do and where you can ride. In addition to creating a new system, we also need to spread the knowledge. We need to make sites like this key for bikers. We need to advertise this information throuh the internet and mailers. There could even be classes and workshops for new bikers. This Site is A Bike Co- op in Ottawa where you can pay $5 and work on your bike w professional tools and have machanics on hand if you need help. re-cycles.ca
3. The Suburbs: Here is an interesting article regarding biking in the burbs, http://www.dailyherald.com/story/print/?id=30332
Besides talking about saving gas money, the author also talks about ideas in promoting a bike commute. Here is some info:
- How employers can encourage bike commuting
The bottom line
• Supporting bike commuting is less costly than in-office fitness facilities.
• Employers who appreciate workers' personal needs have less employee turnover.
• Healthier employees can reduce health insurance costs.
Better employees
• Workers will see commuting as personal time to relax instead of increasing stress.
• Fit employees are more alert, productive and efficient.
• Bike commuting can be substituted for the gym, saving employees personal time.
Bike facilities
• Showers and private changing rooms are ideal.
• Arrange for shower use at a local health club for your workers.
• Devote hanging space or a standing wardrobe so cyclists can store work clothes.
Parking and storage
• Indoor, secure bike parking near changing rooms on the ground floor is ideal.
• For outdoor bike parking, use bike lockers or covered racks. Area should be accessible, visible and secure.
Route coordination
• Appoint a bike commuting coordinator to help employees plan low-traffic, safe and direct routes using local bike route maps.
• Encourage cyclist education among employees; educated riders are safe riders.
Financial incentives
• Partner with a local bike shop to offer discounts or maintenance clinics. Allow the bike shop to showcase new models during lunch.
• Offer subsidies for bike commuters who don't use car parking spaces. Other incentives can include mileage stipends, extra vacation time and providing lunch to bike commuters.
• Allow bike commuters to dress more casually at work; organize a lunchtime race.
Promote it
• Form a company bicycle club or race team; increase your own exposure locally.
• Offer tips on how to start a bike commuting program to other local businesses.
• Encourage employees to help co-workers make the switch to bike commuting.
These are excellent. I believe we need to address issues in the burbs to integrate everything together. Everyone doens't live in the city, but A LOT of people go to the city for work, school, & recreation. If we can create a system that would include the suburbs, I think the number of drivers would really go down all throughout the state. I live in Joliet, and I drove around one day looking for any and everything that had to do with biking. I took tons of photos and talked to some people. I didn't see many bikers on the roads. I mostly saw kids biking for recreation. There were a TON of trails though..Bike friendly. There were locks at every trail..Although I didn't really see anyone biking on the trail. I think for right now, many suburbs are just not bike-friendly. In Joliet, I found one street witha bike lane. Most people out here ride on sidewalk anyway. That is not bad..but there aren't sidewalks everywhere. I've ridden the metra a million times and have never once seen anyone bring their bike aboard. First of all, I think its hard..There are stairs to climb..not everyone can bring their bike up. There is an elevator at the Joliet stop, however I stopped by the Lisle train stop and there were 3 flights of stairs and no elevator. I think this limits the users alot. Metra could use something very simple, like the concrete dip going up next to the stairs like we saw at Milennium.
Here are some important maps of the metra lines, cta lines, and chicago neighborhoods:
Ok- so what can I conclude from my research this week?
Transportation to the city from the burbs isn't very easy. I think in whatever we ultimately come up with, we need to integrate metra and possibly pace bus services from surrounding suburbs. Besides just focusing on the city, we should try to make the burbs more bike friendly. Spreading the knowledge can only help our cause. We must take into consideration everything. There must be a way for people to get their bikes up to the stations if they're elevated, there must be some kind of designated car for bikes. Extending the hours bikes are allowed would def. make it tons easier for commuters to bring their bikes. I didn't really see many bike racks at a lot of the stops. If there were more, and if they were covered and away from the weather elements, it may be more appealing for commuteres. Going back to the article, I think businesses should try to incorporate a system also allowing showers/lockers/bike parking. As far as the burbs go, I didn't really see anyone out on the road biking. So far, it's mostly a recreational thing out here. There are tons of trails..but they are there for exercise & recreation. Like I said earlier, most people here ride on the sidewalks because there aren't many pedestrians. Another thing I noticed was that there were not many racks at the schools I checked out. There was one little rack at the University here, none at the highschool, and one at a middle school. If more students could bike that would help parents as well as limit the number of drivers. This then would promote a different lifestyle. If we teach people when they're young that bikin is a better solution, they may carry it on to their careers and find a way to utilize their bikes not just for recreation, but for commuting also.
Adair
CTA WIND TUNNEL iDEA! * EXPLORE RIVITS AND DIVIDERS! lOOK @ AUSTRILIA
( to my research)*To find all of the unused cta routes, map out the cta, metra, and bike trails already in use throughout the city, research what works and is most practical in transportaion.
- CTA routes
- Maps
- Metra
- Bike Trails
*To Explore other transit options
- Unused Tunnels
- Water Lines
- Elevated "L"
- wind tunnels
Storage/Locking Group
Sean
*To Look into Differnt types of Storage and Locking Mechenisms
- Storage Shelters
- Housing
- Bike Racks
- Valet
- Covers
- Form
- Make it Fun
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*To Expolore Possible Intigration with Work and Storage/Transportation
- Bike Parking inside buildings
- Valet Parking
- Tunnels between buildings
- Traveling Routes between buildings
Ade
MOBIL BIKE STATIONS @ EVENTS, SMALL BIKE REPAIR STATIONS/ STORAGE
*Looking into Location of Placement of Storage and Locking
-City
-Suburbs
-Train
-School
-Establishing bike parking inside office buildings
-Work
-Corner/Mid-Block
-Inside/Outside Buildings
-Large event
-Sports facilities
-Establishing indoor or shelterd bike parking at larg sports facilities
-Encouraging bike storage at multi-family residential building
-Establishing indoor bike parking and outdoor bike parking sheds for long-term bike parking
*Explore
Kris
*To research possible security advatages
-GPS system
-Lost and Found
-Locking Mechenisms
-Park-n-Go
-Name System
-Locking Options -
HEY GUYS POST YOUR CURRENT PROGRESS!
System Details ( 1st Draft )
Transport Systems
Thinking of....
- Trails
- Bike lanes
- Wind Tunnels!!
- Use of land that is unused. Rails and Trails:)
- Type of ground material and color
*Think of color to excite and create emotion.
*Material Effects
- How to incorrporate rules of the road
Locking Systems
Safety freatures used to to protect bikes that are parked in groups.
Thinking of . . .
- Security of system being imobal to theives!
- Easily accessible ( be in and out fast)
- Being out of the elements (rain)
- Maybe being linkable to add to number of bikes nessary (modular)
- Intreguing Form!
Storage Systems
Thinking of .....
- Condensing ( storage of storage)
*piggy backing
*modular
- Type of card or access code to protect bikes
- Area for cycleist to clean and refresh
- Out of elements
Meetings
Were meeting Monday! @ 5:30 at room 811!!
Everyone try to be here to show your group your progress on Tuesday the 18th So we will be ready to present on Wednesday! The majority of the group will be in the building @ 1:00! See you there.
************hey dudes- i think it would be cool if we could share our archives of photos and videos...i tried flickr but you have a monthly limit as to how much you can upload for free...i tried snapfish.com and it's working awesome..i will post my link
Tune: Tune Koshy - student
http://www.daktronics.com/index.cfm
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