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Ellen Steinke

@ellensteinke.bsky.social
133 followers 70 following 75 posts

Writer, comedian, urbanista 🎭 Creator Funny You Should Care ✍️ Contributor Streetsblog Chicago

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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
Active Transportation Alliance @activetransportation.org · 24/09/2026
There are 3 townhalls coming up to share feedback on the use of micromobility devices on Chicago Park District bicycle paths/trails. Tuesday, September 29, 2026 5:30 – 7:00 pm Clarendon Park, 4501 N. Clarendon Ave Wednesday, September 30, 2026 5:30 – 7:00 pm Ellis Park, 3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
Streetsblog Chicago @chi.streetsblog.org · 04/09/2026
Check out SBC contributing writer @ellensteinke.bsky.social's Instagram account, "More Lakeshore, Less Drive." www.instagram.com/morelakeshor... "There's a road she'd like to tell you about, lives in her home town..." 🎵 www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOrd...
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Great talking with @blockclubchi.bsky.social about the future of DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Bike the Drive, and why I think Chicago can imagine something better than an eight-lane highway through one of the city’s greatest public spaces. blockclubchicago.org/2026/09/04/a...
blockclubchicago.org
As Chicagoans Prepare To Bike The Drive, Some Dream Of A Car-Free Lakefront All Year
For five hours each year, thousands of Chicagoans take over the highway on bikes and on foot. As the event turns 25, advocates are imagining what else could change along the lakefront.
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Does replacing parking with bike-lanes hurt restaurant business? Of course not, as this new peer-reviewed STUDY of 15 years of Montreal data showed. ACTUALLY, downtown experienced significant restaurant growth after bike lanes were installed. @momentummag.bsky.social momentummag.com/do-bike-lane...
Separated bike-lane with people riding in Montreal.
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Patio dining in Europe: prime people watching. Patio dining in Chicago: prime car watching. Streets should be for people.
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Streetsblog Chicago @chi.streetsblog.org · 14/08/2026
Refreshing: At the Transit-A-Thon symposium, CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen said she appreciates it when advocates demand upgrades to the system, because that helps her agency make a case to decision-makers. @ctaction.org @ellensteinke.bsky.social @activetransportation.org @ctaction.org
chi.streetsblog.org
At Transit-a-Thon, CTA Acting Prez Nora Leerhsen tells advocates: "I need your pressure" - Streetsblog Chicago
Transit-a-Thon attendees gathered at DePaul’s Loop campus to brainstorm the future of regional rail, transit-oriented development, high-speed rail, and advocacy in the NITA era.
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
Streetsblog Chicago @chi.streetsblog.org · 11/08/2026
Advocacy works! After CMAP received 1,800 comments opposed to rebuilding North DLSD as an 8-lane highway, the planning organization removed language stating that car-centric scenario for the lakefront road is the "preferred alternative."
chi.streetsblog.org
CMAP will update North DuSable Lake Shore Drive project language after receiving more than 1,800 comments - Streetsblog Chicago
The agency will revise outdated language in Appendix E of its regional transportation plan, but North DuSable Lake Shore Drive will remain positioned to compete for future funding.
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Our CDOT study showed that bike lanes didn’t affect business outcomes but they did take the streets safer for everyone including drivers
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
“Do I look like I want to cross 8 lanes of traffic to go the beach?” - Dr. Chloe Groome @chlurg.bsky.social
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
This spring, Sen Feigenholtz tried to introduce quick build safety legislation for IDOT roads, specifically Irving Park. IDOT and The Road Builders/construction contractors pushed back hard, IDOT watered it down, and let it fall through the cracks so nothing passed. abc7chicago.com/post/woman-k...
abc7chicago.com
Woman killed in hit-and-run crash on North Side; Chicago police say suspect in custody
CPD said the woman was killed as she walked between two parked cars after a chain hit-and-run crash.
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
Acyn @acyn.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
AOC: Millennials are not punk kids anymore. We're grown adults with mortgages and kids, and that generation is starting to be decisive at the polls. And there is anger at being ignored, having our economic futures mortgaged by the generations that came before us and we're taking the reins
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
Chicago 🏳️‍⚧️🌱 @chicagotrans-plant.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
"bike the drive was one of the happiest days of my life in the city. And one of the saddest was the next - when the cars returned. When we chose not to hear the water, the children, the birds."
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
I said what I said
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
chlurg @chlurg.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
thank god @ilsecofstate.bsky.social ended mandatory road tests for drivers 79-86. a car into every home!
text from the article that reads:

“ The Bancheros believe the driver mistook the break for the gas pedal.
"The whole house shook. It absolutely shook. I jumped out of my bed. I looked out our window and screamed, 'A car is in our house!'' Mallory said.
First, they checked on the driver, who they said was not hurt.
"She seemed like an old woman on her way to church, dressed very nicely," John said.”
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
🚨🌊 BSC is to 600+ emails to CMAP. Let’s see if we can get it to 1000 by EOD! Be sure to sign and share it around! act.betterstreetschicago.org/cmap-dlsd-rtp @betterstreetschicago.org @activetransportation.org @strongtownschicago.bsky.social @bikegridnow.org @chi.streetsblog.org
act.betterstreetschicago.org
Tell CMAP to pump the brakes on 'Redefine the Drive'! - Better Streets Chicago
CMAP's Regional Transportation Plan misses the mark by proposing an expressway on Chicago's lakefront. Join us in urging them to pump the brakes!
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
Streetsblog Chicago @chi.streetsblog.org · 31/07/2026
This is (an effort to get up to a) Grand! SBC contributor @ellensteinke.bsky.social says, "DSLD public comment due TODAY. Over 600 people have sent an email through @betterstreetschicago.org — let’s get it to 1K by EOD! Submit & share with your friends. Personalize your message for more impact."
act.betterstreetschicago.org
Tell CMAP to pump the brakes on 'Redefine the Drive'! - Better Streets Chicago
CMAP's Regional Transportation Plan misses the mark by proposing an expressway on Chicago's lakefront. Join us in urging them to pump the brakes!
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
CMAP Comment time! There's a typo where it says there's still a preferred alternative in Appendix E -- and that needs to be fixed! strongtownschicago.substack.com/p/urgent-pro...
strongtownschicago.substack.com
Urgent: Provide comment on DSLD in CMAP’s Regional Transportation Plan TODAY
Written comments on CMAP’s regional transportation plan are due Friday, July 31, followed by a public hearing on August 6.
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Time to comment on the future of lake shore drive! Here’s how and here’s the link forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/Respon... @betterstreetschicago.org @strongtownschicago.bsky.social @activetransportation.org @chi.streetsblog.org
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
Streetsblog Chicago @chi.streetsblog.org · 29/07/2026
@ellensteinke.bsky.social: "You can still help shape DuSable Lake Shore Drive’s future. Here are two ways to weigh in." This post features a rendering of transit-friendly shoreline boulevard from the @betterstreetschicago.org site.
chi.streetsblog.org
You can still help shape DuSable Lake Shore Drive’s future. Here are two ways to weigh in. - Streetsblog Chicago
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Show tonight! Tickets: www.secondcity.com/shows/chicag...
secondcity.com
Steps to Better Housing: The Single Stair Comedy Show - The Second City
Discover top sketch, improv, and stand-up comedy shows at the world-famous Second City!
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
Michael McLean @michaelmclean.me · 19/07/2026
Nuremberg trials. We can’t accept anything less.
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Chicago, Bike Grid Now! @bikegridnow.org · 17/07/2026
We are SO tired of being hit on Lincoln Ave so we're jamming. The NW side has Milwaukee, the SW side has Archer, and the West side is getting Ogden. We want the same for Lincoln Ave, which CDOT is not maintaining. 📍 Oz Park (Lincoln/Larrabee/Webster) ⏰ Monday 7/27, 6:30 meet, 6:45 roll
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Excited to have Senator Feigenholtz, @abundanthousingil.bsky.social , and @lakeviewurbanists.bsky.social on the show this week along with our cast's awesome sketch comedy! Gonna be a fun night.
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
This was so fun! Thanks @nickforillinois.bsky.social is the a single stair star 💫
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Excited for our LAST TWO Better Steps to Housing comedy shows at Second City! We have an exciting lineup of guests including @aldermanmattmartin.bsky.social @drakewarren.bsky.social @abundanthousingil.bsky.social @lakeviewurbanists.bsky.social Tickets: www.secondcity.com/shows/chicag...
Special guests Senator Sara Feigenholtz, Steffany Bahamon of Abunant Housing Illinois, and David Lapidus + Kalen Luciano of Lakeview UrbanistsSpecial guests Alderman Matt Martin, Alderman Bennett Lawson, State Rep Kam Buckner, Commissioner-Elect Drake Warren
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
Streetsblog Chicago @chi.streetsblog.org · 16/07/2026
Interesting bedfellows in Council vote against mayor's pick of CTA Chair Barclay for the new NITA, CTA boards. Most are pro-CTA members of Progressive Caucus. Over on the bird app, we've asked those who aren't to explain their decision. chi.streetsblog.org/2026/07/15/j... @ellensteinke.bsky.social
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
chlurg @chlurg.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
@govpritzker.illinois.gov We need transit professionals and operations experts on the board. After the mayor of Chicago appointed a pastor (who barely uses public transit) PLEASE make appropriate choices worthy of NITA!
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Streetsblog Chicago @chi.streetsblog.org · 15/07/2026
Yesterday, Mayor Johnson’s controversial transit board picks of previous NITA sceptic Lester Barclay and Pastor Michael Eaddy advanced in committee, although transit advocates packed the hearing to oppose them. The full Council votes on them today. @chicagocta.bsky.social @ellensteinke.bsky.social
chi.streetsblog.org
Johnson’s transit board picks advance after advocates pack City Hall hearing - Streetsblog Chicago
Ald. Andre Vasquez pressed nominees about how often they ride transit, their commitment to NITA, and the CTA board’s lack of visible accountability during former president Dorval Carter’s tenure.
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
strongtownschicago.substack.com/p/a-new-tran...
strongtownschicago.substack.com
A New Transit Authority Needs a Board Built for the Job
Urgent: Tell Illinois Leaders and Illinois Leaders to Put Transit Expertise on the NITA Board
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
TOMORROW! Come see @strongtownschicago.bsky.social @yimbyaction.bsky.social @cnuchicago.bsky.social @centerforbuilding.bsky.social at the @funnyyoushouldcare.bsky.social show! Sketch, improv, and interviews from 6-7pm at Second City. Tickets here: www.secondcity.com/shows/chicag...
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Streetsblog Chicago @chi.streetsblog.org · 03/07/2026
As the NITA transition approaches, many alders "ghosted" the CTA oversight hearing, which meant there was no quorum. Colleagues and advocates called that "unfortunate," "insulting," & "utterly unacceptable." 👻 😠 chi.streetsblog.org/2026/07/02/a... @chicagocta.bsky.social @ellensteinke.bsky.social
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
New Funny You Should Care show starting THIS SUNDAY on Single Stair Reform & Missing Middle Housing in Donny's Skybox at Second City! 6pm Sundays in July (5, 12, 19, 26) @funnyyoushouldcare.bsky.social www.secondcity.com/shows/chicag...
secondcity.com
Steps to Better Housing: The Single Stair Comedy Show - The Second City
Discover top sketch, improv, and stand-up comedy shows at the world-famous Second City!
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
Car Free Keith @carfreekeith.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
New video out now! Covering the sweeping reforms to Illinois transit that started taking effect this month. Big thanks to @metroplanning.bsky.social and @awennink.bsky.social for a) helping craft this legislation and b) helping make this video. Hope you enjoy! youtu.be/eH-ZsEoGu_g?...
youtu.be
Chicago's Transit Agencies Finally Started Working Together
YouTube video by Car Free Keith
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
Chicago, Bike Grid Now! @bikegridnow.org · 25/06/2026
Divvy removed our Riley O'Neil stickers from his memorial station :/ The memorial station is on Washington at LaSalle if you want to put some back.
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Louisville has been able to experience life without I-65 being open, is finding it doesn’t make a difference in traffic, and is becoming open to getting rid of their waterfront highway. Chicago can’t rely on “models” to determine the necessity of DSLD, we need to do real-world tests.
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
Streetsblog Chicago @chi.streetsblog.org · 23/06/2026
Great news! Block Club: "Work Begins On Bronzeville Trail, The South Side’s 1st Elevated Bike Path." blockclubchicago.org/2026/06/22/w... Read Ellen Steinke's previous coverage of the project on SBC: chi.streetsblog.org/2026/06/04/b... @blockclubchi.bsky.social @ellensteinke.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org
Work Begins On Bronzeville Trail, The South Side’s 1st Elevated Bike Path
Soil testing is underway at the abandoned rail site, which starts near 40th and Dearborn streets and would be a "conduit" to the Lakefront Trail, organizers said.
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Lynda Lopez @lyndab08.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
“The group is organizing a memorial bike ride for O’Neil at 7 p.m. Monday, stretching from Palmisano Park in Bridgeport to where O’Neil was killed on Halsted Street.”
chicago.suntimes.com
Cyclist killed in Bridgeport crash was a champion for Chicago biking, worked on city’s safe streets program
Riley O’Neil, 35, was riding his bike Friday afternoon when he was hit with a car door and sent into traffic where an oncoming semitruck hit him. He is at least the third cyclist killed by a driver th...
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Rep. Kelly Cassidy @kmcchicago.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Over the last hour, our office has gotten more than 100 emails urging support for a bill to allow @waymo.bsky.social to operate in IL. The sending pattern (dumps of 40-50 at a time) suggests that these are bot generated and 99% of them say they’re from an address outside the district. 1/2
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Published my first op-ed in the Chicago Tribune with @nikhunder.com! The Mayor had better not pull any funny business and if he's going to appoint a permanent CTA President by June 1, it had better be the woman who's already doing an impressive job in the role! www.chicagotribune.com/2026/05/21/o...
chicagotribune.com
Commuter advocates: Make Nora Leerhsen the CTA’s permanent president
Under Nora Leerhsen’s leadership the CTA has shown improvements in service reliability, ridership recovery, public engagement and rider trust.
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Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
🚨 WITNESS SLIP ACTION ALERT 🚨 The IL Senate is hearing housing bills at 4pm TODAY. You can show your support by filing a witness slip as a 'proponent' in a 'record of appearance'. Links for: - Yes in God's Backyard - 3rd-Party Inspections and Timelines - Gender-Based Violence Non-Discrimination
Explainer graphic pointing ot parts of a website.

"Fill in SELF if you are representing yourself."
(Points to fields for 'Firm/Business', 'Title', and 'Representation')

"Select SFA1 Proponent"
(points to 'add legislation' and 'add position')

"Record of Appearance Only".
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Steven Lucy @slucy.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
This could be 6 cars instead.
Outdoor dining in NYC
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SideStreets @sidestreets.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Chicanes: they do exist!
A midblock swerve on Albany Ave where the road bend past a bioswale that narrows the turn.The southeast section of Albany, where parallel cars are parked on the left and angled cars are parked on the right.The northwest past of Albany, where parallel cars are parked on the right and angled cars are parked on the left.
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Robert Mahon @bedform.org · 20/04/2026
IF YOU BUILD A BIKE LANE THAT DOESN'T CONNECT TO ANOTHER BIKE LANE THEN YOU DIDN'T BUILD A BIKE LANE
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
We are once again asking for public comment for TOMORROW'S CMAP meeting to oppose the current highway-forward version of DSLD. See how you can comment BY EOD TODAY here: strongtownschicago.substack.com/p/urgent-sto...
strongtownschicago.substack.com
Urgent: Stop DLSD from Becoming a Highway — Important Next Steps for This Friday April 24
We made a difference in February, and now it’s time to double down this week. We could only have this summer to get DSLD right.
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
32k lives were changed — and Chicago changes nothing.
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
SideStreets @sidestreets.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Federal Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grants now penalize applications that include bike lanes, lane reduction, traffic calming, and speed cameras.
Less Favorable Considerations:
• Inclusion of infrastructure reducing level of service for vehicles or reducing access for emergency vehicles, delivery vehicles, and vehicles serving the disabled;
• Inclusion of automated traffic enforcement, except in work zones, school zones, or cameras affixed to school buses; and
• Inclusion of new dedicated bicycle lanes that reduce vehicular capacity or impair movements.
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Tomorrow is the last night of the Safe Streets comedy show! Featuring Amy Rynell from @atalliance.bsky.social and leaders from @strongtownschicago.bsky.social Get tickets at: www.secondcity.com/shows/chicag... @sidestreets.bsky.social @chi.streetsblog.org
secondcity.com
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Thanks to Streetsblog Chicago for covering the show with our stacked interview guest lineup talking about safe streets and equity on the Southwest side. 💯
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Ellen Steinke @ellensteinke.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
It’s been a blast working on this show promoting how we can has a safer, more fun Chicago with better street designs 🙌 thanks to @chi.streetsblog.org for covering it!
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Reposted by Ellen Steinke
Streetsblog Chicago @chi.streetsblog.org · 13/02/2026
The effort to make Chicago a safer, more pleasant place to get around is no joking matter. "Safe Streets: The Comedy Show" creators discuss their goals. @atalliance.bsky.social @betterstreetschicago.org
chi.streetsblog.org
Making Chicago a safer, more pleasant place to get around is no joke. "Safe Streets: The Comedy Show" creators discuss their goals. - Streetsblog Chicago
Ever feel like Chicago traffic is out to drive you completely crazy? It can feel as though, no matter how you get around, even the most zen of travelers will be tested on our streets and sidewalks. Yo...
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