A sustainable Chicago starts with one of its main targets, transportation. We needed something energy efficient, something that would save money while reducing our environmental impact. We needed protected bike lanes. A plan was adopted in 1992 by the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Council primarily focused on the installation of on-street bikeways. In 2006 a new bike plan was introduced, pushing to make bicycling a part of daily life. It reached the goal of reducing the number of crashes involving bicyclists, which was also on the rise given the increase in activity.
According to Cityofchicago.org, Chicago has surpassed its goal of installing 100 miles of protected bike lanes, completing 103 miles to date. That is more than any other city in America. A new project includes building a network of over 50 miles of more lanes over the next four years.
The purpose of developing a bike network was to get people where they wanted to go. Whether it be school, work, etc. Communities made it clear that the network should establish facilities that connect to as many destinations as possible. So a call to action was put into place to make accommodations for a safer trip. Making bicycling safer and more convenient has increased bicycling activity, helping work towards a more sustainable Chicago by diversifying transportation options. This has reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and enhanced the quality of life.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/122665261/Streets-for-Cycling-Plan-2020
Principles of Urban Sustainability 
Totally agree with this! With increasing safety on the bike lanes, it would allow more people to commute from car to bike if possible. Also, it is a lot of fun to do within the city anyways. Of course, transportation is a huge factor to the environment and not everyone can adjust to just biking or taking public transit. Nevertheless, impressive for Chicago to surpass its goal of installing 100 miles of protected bike lanes!
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I’m with you on this, the addition of the many bike lanes has done wonders for this city. It’s too bad that the crazy winter weather keeps most people from biking year round. At least the CTA is a great back up during those really snowy months.
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