New iPhone App Allows Chicago Cyclists To Report Road Hazards

There is a new must have iPhone app for Chicago bicyclists and it comes from one of the unlikeliest of sources. . . the office of 47th Ward Alderman, Ameya Pawar.  This well designed and visually appealing application allows any citizen with an iPhone (sorry Android users) to snap a photo of a problem, such as a pothole or debris in the road, and have it reported instantaneously, via GPS tracking, to the relevant city agency and the area alderman.  The sender also receives a response and can follow the City's progress addressing the complaint.

It turns out that Ald. Pawar is quite the techy.  According to information on the app itself, Chicago Works was developed by 2pensmedia and Pawar, and came out while he was running for alderman.  "After the election, 2pensmedia and Ameya worked with the Mayor's office and fellow alderman to develop a more robust app that plugs into the Open 311 framework."

I have just started playing around with the free app and so far am mightily impressed.  It is simple as can be to use and the user is able to view not just his/her report but others made around the city within seconds of their submission.  A technological innovation like this from a city alderman's office is unexpected but one must give credit where it is due:  This is a great idea.  Of course, the hard part will fall to the various city agencies to actually act on reports made via the app.  Only the coming months will tell if the city is able to step up in this regard.

This could be a very useful tool for city cyclists who often find themselves beating their heads against a wall to get the city to address roadway hazards like potholes.  Calling 311 to report a pothole can just be a pain.  Sending a photo of a road hazard via Tweeter is akin to simply shouting out of an open window, and just about as effective.  Hopefully, Chicago Works 2.0 will prove an easy and effect means for keeping our streets in better shape.

Specialized Recalling Some 12,000 Globe Brand Bicycles

About 12,000 Globe branded bicycles are being recalled, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today.  The Globe brand is distributed by Specialized Bicycles and manufactured in China.  The recall was prompted by reports of injures caused when the forks on some  Globe bicycles broke.  The Commission's press release does not make it clear what part of the forks is prone to break, but the defect has apparently caused facial fractures, and head and shoulder injuries of unspecified severity.

If you own one of these bikes, please stop riding it and contact an authorized Specialized dealer for a free fork and installation.

Chicago Bicyclist Struck, Critically Injured By Hit and Run Driver

A Chicago bicyclist is in critical condition after being struck by the driver of a SUV yesterday afternoon on the city's North Side, according to ABC 7 Chicago.  The driver struck the male cyclist 4100 block of West School Street, throwing him onto the windshield of the vehicle, then fled the scene.    

No other details have been reported.  Police are looking for the driver.

Chicago Bicyclist Hit By Red Light Running Taxi Driver To Be Compensated

She was riding her bike to a job interview at Chicago's Rainforest Cafe when the driver of an American United taxi did something stupid. The westbound driver ran the red light at West Ontario Street and struck the 25 year old female cyclist riding on North Clark Street southbound toward her nearby destination.  The collision in the intersection of Ontario and Clark at 12:30 p.m. last August 25th threw her off of her bike and onto her right side, causing injuries to her back and right foot, elbow and ribs.  Late yesterday, my law firm, retained to represent the bicyclist, successfully resolved the case against the driver and taxi company.

The woman's injuries were not life threatening, but the collision, caused only by the carelessness of the taxi driver, resulted in pain, and significant disruption to her life.  It also caused the uninsured woman substantial financial hardship.  She was left with medical bills she did not have the money to pay.  The compensation she will receive cannot erase these experiences, but will help her move on.

Man Entering Car Doors & Injures Bicyclist On Milwaukee Avenue

It was one of those moments where faith that a fellow human would act attentively was tragically repudiated.  

On August 17th a 26 year old female bicyclist riding northbound in the shared bike lane on North Milwaukee Avenue trusted that the man who stepped into the bike lane in front of her would not just open his car door into her.  It was just before 5:00 p.m.  She was on her way home from work on that clear and sunny late afternoon.  There was no reason to believe that the man would not see her coming on her old mountain bike.  Nevertheless, no newbie to city cycling, the woman slowed and moved to her left to avoid the man standing next to his Toyota Corolla.  But just as she passed him he suddenly threw his car door open striking the the woman and her bike.  The impact sent her hurling into the street in the 2500 block of North Milwaukee Avenue.  

She was at first unable to move.  Her entire left side was in searing pain and her head hurt.  She was wearing a helmet but sustained a head injury.  A city ambulance rushed her to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center where a brain CT demonstrated evidence of a concussion.  She was admitted to the hospital, not to be released until the following day.  She continues to receive medical treatment.

My law firm has been hired to represent the bicyclist.

Chicago Alleged Terror Bar Target May Have Been Popular Bicycle Messenger Hangout

The Chicago bar targeted by alleged homegrown terrorist, Adel Daoud, is a popular afterwork hangout for city bicycle messengers.  Though federal authorities have not revealed which bar the teenager allegedly wanted to blow up on Friday night, the owner of Cal's Bar and Liquors at 400 South Wells believes it was his, according to CBS Chicago.  Based upon descriptions of the establishment in the media and the frenzy of evidence gathering activity by federal authorities on the night the attack was to happen, Mike Feirstein, the bar's owner, believes his place was the target.  (Click here to read more on CBS Chicago's website.)

Cals has been a bike messenger haunt for years.  At the end of any given work day, dozens of well-worn bicycles can be seen outside the bar.  Inside, tired bike messengers can be found throwing back brews, swapping stories and relaxing.  In 2007 Meddill Reports did a feature news piece about the bar's embrace of its bike messenger and counter culture clientele.  

There is no reason to believe that Mr. Daoud harbors a desire to wage jihad against bike messengers.  According to a federal complaint filed against him in the past few days the bar targeted by him was chosen because it would be filled with "the evilest people . . . all the kuffars are there."

Lakeview Bicyclist Seriously Hurt By Backing Driver

A 21 year old male bicyclist was seriously injured after being struck by a car as he rode his bicycle in Chicago's East Lakeview Neighborhood on September 8th.  The incident took place at around 4:20 p.m. in the 2800 block of North Broadway.  The cyclist was hit as he waited in the southbound lane behind the driver of a 2007 Mazda 6 who was waiting behind another vehicle attempting to parallel park.  The rider and his Schwinn Collegiate were about 10' to 15' behind the Mazda when the driver suddenly accelerated backwards -- seemingly aggravated at having to wait for the parking vehicle -- crashing into the cyclist.  The hard impact throw him to the street where he sustained a complex fracture to his left wrist.

The bicyclist was rushed from the scene via a City of Chicago ambulance to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center.  He is presently awaiting word on whether his severe injury will require surgery.

My law firm has been retained to represent the bicyclist.