Chicago Students Propose Solutions for Safer Streets for Cyclists and Pedestrians

Chicago: Recently, the Chicago Department of Transportation wrapped up ten projects aimed at making streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists, especially near schools. This initiative came after several accidents involving young people.

High school students from the West Town Bike program shared their thoughts with the Tribune. They love biking for the fun and freedom it brings, but they often feel uneasy about their safety on the roads. To tackle this, they suggested various ideas, from specific road improvements to encouraging city planners to rethink how bikes and cars share the road.

David Harb, a senior at Lane Tech High School, mentioned that the safety tips he learned in elementary school still help him today. He believes more schools should join the national Walk and Bike to School Day, especially high schools. “Teaching kids hand signals can make a big difference,” he said. He also prefers roundabouts over stop signs, feeling they’re safer for cyclists.

Kaniyah Hale, a student at Lake View High School, doesn’t own a bike yet but is learning how to fix them through the program. She’s concerned about the number of accidents and thinks drivers at fault should face tougher penalties. “They need to be held accountable,” she stated.

Armand Dunkines from Roberto Clemente Community Academy emphasized the need for community involvement. He appreciates the new bike lanes but feels they aren’t always placed where they’re most needed. He suggested using data to determine the best locations for bike lanes and better enforcement of traffic laws.

Tamara Scott, who has a dad that bikes, is unsure if she’d ride to school even if she had a bike. She finds it unsafe due to cars often invading bike lanes. Learning bike repairs has changed her perspective as a new driver, making her more aware of sharing the road.

Christopher Garcia, a senior at Intrinsic Schools, is a passionate cyclist who enjoys biking to catch sunrises. He wishes there were more dedicated bike lanes, advocating for a better infrastructure that separates cyclists from cars. “We need small streets for bikes and bigger ones for cars,” he suggested.