John Greenfield
@johngreenfield.bsky.social
Streetsblog Chicago editor. Creator of the Mellow Chicago Bike Map and the Iconic Chicago Restaurants Map. He/him/yinz. jgreenfield (at) streetsblog (dot) org.
@starlinechicago.bsky.social, you might be amused by the convo we've been having over on The Platform That Can Not Be Named.
November 18, 2025 at 9:37 PM
@starlinechicago.bsky.social, you might be amused by the convo we've been having over on The Platform That Can Not Be Named.
Bummed about 29F in early November? Here's something to look forward to when it's really cold: a proposal for the F 1/30 Critical Mass ride to head to Fuller's Pub, 3203 W. Irving Park, to see The Polkaholics, aka the annual Polka Ride.
polkaholics.wixsite.com/polkaholics
@chicritmass.bsky.social
polkaholics.wixsite.com/polkaholics
@chicritmass.bsky.social
November 10, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Bummed about 29F in early November? Here's something to look forward to when it's really cold: a proposal for the F 1/30 Critical Mass ride to head to Fuller's Pub, 3203 W. Irving Park, to see The Polkaholics, aka the annual Polka Ride.
polkaholics.wixsite.com/polkaholics
@chicritmass.bsky.social
polkaholics.wixsite.com/polkaholics
@chicritmass.bsky.social
Reposted by John Greenfield
State Sen. Ram Villivalam, sponsor of the Senate transit bill, discusses the Halloween Miracle that allowed robust reform and funding to pass - chi.streetsblog.org/2025/11/03/s... via @chi.streetsblog.org and @johngreenfield.bsky.social
State Sen. Ram Villivalam, sponsor of the Senate transit bill, discusses the Halloween Miracle that allowed robust reform and funding to pass - Streetsblog Chicago
On Friday morning, October 31, Streetsblog interviewed Illinois House Majority Leader Eva-Dina Delgado. She was operating on minimal sleep after staying up until 5 a.m. for the passage of the $1.5 bil...
chi.streetsblog.org
November 5, 2025 at 10:02 PM
State Sen. Ram Villivalam, sponsor of the Senate transit bill, discusses the Halloween Miracle that allowed robust reform and funding to pass - chi.streetsblog.org/2025/11/03/s... via @chi.streetsblog.org and @johngreenfield.bsky.social
Shades of Ira Glass: 24 hours at the Diner Grill. 🍽️ 👍
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/31/i... @blockclubchi.bsky.social @wbez.org @npr.org
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/31/i... @blockclubchi.bsky.social @wbez.org @npr.org
Inside Diner Grill, The Tiny Eatery That's Kept Stragglers Fed For 88 Years
The 12-seat restaurant — a favorite of late-night diners and off-shift workers — has held strong in North Center as the city's oldest 24-hour diner. We spent 24 hours with the people keeping it afloat...
blockclubchicago.org
November 3, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Shades of Ira Glass: 24 hours at the Diner Grill. 🍽️ 👍
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/31/i... @blockclubchi.bsky.social @wbez.org @npr.org
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/31/i... @blockclubchi.bsky.social @wbez.org @npr.org
I recently had dinner at a home in a classic Midcentury high-rise on Sheridan Road in Edgewater. It was more evidence of why locals must "Say no to Broadway upzoning!" so nobody else can enjoy this kind of rooftop view. 😉
@chicagodpd.bsky.social @stevevance.net
@chicagodpd.bsky.social @stevevance.net
October 7, 2025 at 10:45 PM
I recently had dinner at a home in a classic Midcentury high-rise on Sheridan Road in Edgewater. It was more evidence of why locals must "Say no to Broadway upzoning!" so nobody else can enjoy this kind of rooftop view. 😉
@chicagodpd.bsky.social @stevevance.net
@chicagodpd.bsky.social @stevevance.net
Satirical response from Chicago’s Rat Patrol chopper bike gang in 3… 2… 1…
@westtownbikes.bsky.social
@chicritmass.bsky.social
@westtownbikes.bsky.social
@chicritmass.bsky.social
October 3, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Satirical response from Chicago’s Rat Patrol chopper bike gang in 3… 2… 1…
@westtownbikes.bsky.social
@chicritmass.bsky.social
@westtownbikes.bsky.social
@chicritmass.bsky.social
Here's Streetsblog Chicago cofounder @stevevance.net and me around the site launch in 2013, and last Saturday at the Park(ing) Day celebration at Dovetail Brewing. He spends most of his time nowadays running the real estate data site @chicagocityscape.com, but still plays a key advisory role at SBC.
September 22, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Here's Streetsblog Chicago cofounder @stevevance.net and me around the site launch in 2013, and last Saturday at the Park(ing) Day celebration at Dovetail Brewing. He spends most of his time nowadays running the real estate data site @chicagocityscape.com, but still plays a key advisory role at SBC.
Relaxing at the Park(ing) Day party at Demo Brewing, Ravenswood/Berteau, and dovetail brewing, Ravenswood/Belle Plaine. It’s on until 8 PM today, Saturday.
September 20, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Relaxing at the Park(ing) Day party at Demo Brewing, Ravenswood/Berteau, and dovetail brewing, Ravenswood/Belle Plaine. It’s on until 8 PM today, Saturday.
I did a very fun multimodal trip around the southern 1/2 of Lake Michigan w/ old friends from @chicritmass.bsky.social:
Amtrak to Grand Rapids, MI
Bike to Luddington, MI
Ferry to Manitowoc, WI
Bike to Milwaukee
Amtrak to Chicago
+/- 225 miles of biking, mostly on trails. 👍
@wibikefed.bsky.social
Amtrak to Grand Rapids, MI
Bike to Luddington, MI
Ferry to Manitowoc, WI
Bike to Milwaukee
Amtrak to Chicago
+/- 225 miles of biking, mostly on trails. 👍
@wibikefed.bsky.social
August 30, 2025 at 2:33 PM
I did a very fun multimodal trip around the southern 1/2 of Lake Michigan w/ old friends from @chicritmass.bsky.social:
Amtrak to Grand Rapids, MI
Bike to Luddington, MI
Ferry to Manitowoc, WI
Bike to Milwaukee
Amtrak to Chicago
+/- 225 miles of biking, mostly on trails. 👍
@wibikefed.bsky.social
Amtrak to Grand Rapids, MI
Bike to Luddington, MI
Ferry to Manitowoc, WI
Bike to Milwaukee
Amtrak to Chicago
+/- 225 miles of biking, mostly on trails. 👍
@wibikefed.bsky.social
Reposted by John Greenfield
Thanks to @johngreenfield.bsky.social for letting me write about why we're always accusing dead pedestrians of "darting" -- ie blaming them for their own deaths.
There's actually more to it than I realized. HT @kenmcld.bsky.social
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/08/13/w...
There's actually more to it than I realized. HT @kenmcld.bsky.social
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/08/13/w...
Why are pedestrians always "darting" (i.e. at fault)? - Streetsblog Chicago
How accusatory descriptions for pedestrian victims are baked into national policy.
chi.streetsblog.org
August 14, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Thanks to @johngreenfield.bsky.social for letting me write about why we're always accusing dead pedestrians of "darting" -- ie blaming them for their own deaths.
There's actually more to it than I realized. HT @kenmcld.bsky.social
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/08/13/w...
There's actually more to it than I realized. HT @kenmcld.bsky.social
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/08/13/w...
Last night's after-work bike ride on Grace, in both directions. Don't tell anybody, but I did some cautious "contraflow" riding on the short one-way stretches. CDOT is considering adding contraflow bike lanes to make that safer and lawful. Legalize it!
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/08/06/g...
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/08/06/g...
August 7, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Last night's after-work bike ride on Grace, in both directions. Don't tell anybody, but I did some cautious "contraflow" riding on the short one-way stretches. CDOT is considering adding contraflow bike lanes to make that safer and lawful. Legalize it!
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/08/06/g...
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/08/06/g...
Here's a travelogue with some nice photos by Pat Dwyer: Cycling from Chicago's Lincolns Square community to the Indiana Dunes, mostly on bike trails.
bsky.app/profile/derb...
@atalliance.bsky.social @rideillinois.bsky.social @chicritmass.bsky.social @outsidemag.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/derb...
@atalliance.bsky.social @rideillinois.bsky.social @chicritmass.bsky.social @outsidemag.bsky.social
Alright here we go.
0.06 miles down.
0.06 miles down.
August 4, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Here's a travelogue with some nice photos by Pat Dwyer: Cycling from Chicago's Lincolns Square community to the Indiana Dunes, mostly on bike trails.
bsky.app/profile/derb...
@atalliance.bsky.social @rideillinois.bsky.social @chicritmass.bsky.social @outsidemag.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/derb...
@atalliance.bsky.social @rideillinois.bsky.social @chicritmass.bsky.social @outsidemag.bsky.social
Reposted by John Greenfield
In case you didn’t get there today yourself, @johngreenfield.bsky.social has a photo tour of the new Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr stations.
Eyes on the street: Four new Red Line stations are ready for their closeups - Streetsblog Chicago
Thanks Obama! If you’re psyched about the four new ADA-accessible, aesthetically pleasing Red Line stations that opened in Uptown and Edgewater this morning, give a hat-tip to the 44th president, a fo...
chi.streetsblog.org
July 20, 2025 at 9:37 PM
In case you didn’t get there today yourself, @johngreenfield.bsky.social has a photo tour of the new Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr stations.
David Struett did a nice job with this piece on Chicago's messenger scene – I learned a few things I didn't know. I discussed '90s courier life, and the piece include my pic of Alkaline Trio / ex-Blink 182 guitarist Matt Skiba from his delivery days.
@chicago.suntimes.com @davidstruett.bsky.social
@chicago.suntimes.com @davidstruett.bsky.social
Meet Chicago's last bike messengers. Here's how they survive
The pandemic was devastating to the courier business, but it survived. The industry is a far cry from its heyday a few decades ago, but the culture and camaraderie remain.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 16, 2025 at 9:23 PM
David Struett did a nice job with this piece on Chicago's messenger scene – I learned a few things I didn't know. I discussed '90s courier life, and the piece include my pic of Alkaline Trio / ex-Blink 182 guitarist Matt Skiba from his delivery days.
@chicago.suntimes.com @davidstruett.bsky.social
@chicago.suntimes.com @davidstruett.bsky.social
Reposted by John Greenfield
The CTA invested $2 billion in modernizing the Red and Purple lines. We should let more people live near these newly accessible stations.
Send a letter to the zoning committee if you agree
Send a letter to the zoning committee if you agree
Tell the Zoning Committee to Support Thousands of New Homes in Uptown and Edgewater
The proposed Broadway upzoning from Montrose to Devon in the 46th, 47th, and 48th Wards is a crucial step forward for Chicago. This proactive plan addresses the urgent need for more housing by moderni...
actionnetwork.org
July 10, 2025 at 3:36 AM
The CTA invested $2 billion in modernizing the Red and Purple lines. We should let more people live near these newly accessible stations.
Send a letter to the zoning committee if you agree
Send a letter to the zoning committee if you agree
Reposted by John Greenfield
Trump’s USDOT secretary wants you to drive to Midwest landmarks. Here are some car-free alternatives. - chi.streetsblog.org/2025/07/01/t... via @chi.streetsblog.org and @johngreenfield.bsky.social
Trump's USDOT secretary wants you to drive to Midwest landmarks. Here are some car-free alternatives. - Streetsblog Chicago
The press release for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Great American Summer Roadtrip” project led by agency secretary Sean Duffy reads kind of like you’d figure. Like Donald Trump, he’s a for...
chi.streetsblog.org
July 4, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Trump’s USDOT secretary wants you to drive to Midwest landmarks. Here are some car-free alternatives. - chi.streetsblog.org/2025/07/01/t... via @chi.streetsblog.org and @johngreenfield.bsky.social
This week, Streetsblog Chicago is your source for sustainable transportation and burrito news and advocacy.
🚶 🚲 🚌 🌯
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/06/21/c...
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/06/25/m...
@stevevance.net @chicritmass.bsky.social
🚶 🚲 🚌 🌯
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/06/21/c...
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/06/25/m...
@stevevance.net @chicritmass.bsky.social
June 25, 2025 at 10:00 PM
This week, Streetsblog Chicago is your source for sustainable transportation and burrito news and advocacy.
🚶 🚲 🚌 🌯
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/06/21/c...
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/06/25/m...
@stevevance.net @chicritmass.bsky.social
🚶 🚲 🚌 🌯
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/06/21/c...
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/06/25/m...
@stevevance.net @chicritmass.bsky.social
Lots of people were riding bikes and e-scooters in Chicago Monday in 90+F weather but, hey, some like it hot. It's a lovely 76F right now, but it will be 95 again tomorrow. Here on tips on how to make biking in such weather tolerable, or even enjoyable.
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/06/24/s...
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/06/24/s...
June 25, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Lots of people were riding bikes and e-scooters in Chicago Monday in 90+F weather but, hey, some like it hot. It's a lovely 76F right now, but it will be 95 again tomorrow. Here on tips on how to make biking in such weather tolerable, or even enjoyable.
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/06/24/s...
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/06/24/s...
Yesterday at the Diner Grill I met a bike rider who'd recently moved from Milwaukee to Chicago and was bummed that here you have to ride so far on suburban streets to get nature. So I told him about this route to the Indiana Dunes, which is about 80% on nice trails.
www.google.com/maps/dir/Dal...
www.google.com/maps/dir/Dal...
June 6, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Yesterday at the Diner Grill I met a bike rider who'd recently moved from Milwaukee to Chicago and was bummed that here you have to ride so far on suburban streets to get nature. So I told him about this route to the Indiana Dunes, which is about 80% on nice trails.
www.google.com/maps/dir/Dal...
www.google.com/maps/dir/Dal...
No one in other parts of the country seems to be aware of this, but I say it often: Chicago is a surprisingly great place to live if you love riding bikes, hanging out at the beach, and car-free camping trips.
www.outsideonline.com/adventure-tr... @outsidemag.bsky.social @atalliance.bsky.social
www.outsideonline.com/adventure-tr... @outsidemag.bsky.social @atalliance.bsky.social
Chicago Is Low-Key an Outdoor Adventure Paradise. Here Are Our Favorite Spots.
Winters? Not actually that bad. Summers? Divine. Here are our favorite places to swim, run, bike, and chill in the Windy City.
www.outsideonline.com
June 3, 2025 at 4:54 PM
No one in other parts of the country seems to be aware of this, but I say it often: Chicago is a surprisingly great place to live if you love riding bikes, hanging out at the beach, and car-free camping trips.
www.outsideonline.com/adventure-tr... @outsidemag.bsky.social @atalliance.bsky.social
www.outsideonline.com/adventure-tr... @outsidemag.bsky.social @atalliance.bsky.social
I've nicknamed this Pope Leo XIV impersonator, Chicago Critical Mass cofounder Michael Burton, "The Friday Night Holy Father."
@chicritmass.bsky.social
@chicritmass.bsky.social
June 3, 2025 at 1:58 PM
I've nicknamed this Pope Leo XIV impersonator, Chicago Critical Mass cofounder Michael Burton, "The Friday Night Holy Father."
@chicritmass.bsky.social
@chicritmass.bsky.social
On Sunday, The Red Line Rustlers played a fun gig at PorchFest 2025 in Lakeview, literally downstairs from the Southport Brown Line platform. Our drummer took the 'L', and the 6-string guitarist and I brought the drum kit, PA system, amps, and guitars from Uptown via bike trailers. No U-Haul needed!
June 2, 2025 at 3:54 PM
On Sunday, The Red Line Rustlers played a fun gig at PorchFest 2025 in Lakeview, literally downstairs from the Southport Brown Line platform. Our drummer took the 'L', and the 6-string guitarist and I brought the drum kit, PA system, amps, and guitars from Uptown via bike trailers. No U-Haul needed!
Looking for a good costume for Chicago Critical Mass? You can't beat the Bishop of Rome.
The 1st photo of 4 Pontiff-lookalikes is by a bystander via CCM cofounder Michael Burton, aka The Saturday Night Holy Father. Great West Side route and sunset!
@chicritmass.bsky.social
The 1st photo of 4 Pontiff-lookalikes is by a bystander via CCM cofounder Michael Burton, aka The Saturday Night Holy Father. Great West Side route and sunset!
@chicritmass.bsky.social
May 31, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Looking for a good costume for Chicago Critical Mass? You can't beat the Bishop of Rome.
The 1st photo of 4 Pontiff-lookalikes is by a bystander via CCM cofounder Michael Burton, aka The Saturday Night Holy Father. Great West Side route and sunset!
@chicritmass.bsky.social
The 1st photo of 4 Pontiff-lookalikes is by a bystander via CCM cofounder Michael Burton, aka The Saturday Night Holy Father. Great West Side route and sunset!
@chicritmass.bsky.social
I often disagree w/ the Tribune on transportation issues but this new op-ed on transit funding/reform is good. Its focus on addressing safety, partly w/ transit ambassadors, and single fare system, critique of 11th-hour funding pitch, is 🎯.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/29/e... @chicagotribune.com
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/29/e... @chicagotribune.com
Editorial: Massive transit-rescue package drops in Springfield. Here’s what we like.
There’s good stuff in Springfield’s proposed transit-reform package. But the eleventh-hour unveiling does everyone a disservice.
www.chicagotribune.com
May 30, 2025 at 6:19 PM
I often disagree w/ the Tribune on transportation issues but this new op-ed on transit funding/reform is good. Its focus on addressing safety, partly w/ transit ambassadors, and single fare system, critique of 11th-hour funding pitch, is 🎯.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/29/e... @chicagotribune.com
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/29/e... @chicagotribune.com
I'll bet you a monthly Ventra pass the one stop fans ask this Cheesehead to recite is "This is Chicago [Avenue]".
www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/v...
www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/v...
Voice of the CTA reveals how he landed the job and the one stop fans ask him to recite
Even after 27 years, Lee Crooks still finds it surreal he is heard on every Chicago Transit Authority bus and train speaker in the city.
www.nbcchicago.com
May 22, 2025 at 2:15 PM
I'll bet you a monthly Ventra pass the one stop fans ask this Cheesehead to recite is "This is Chicago [Avenue]".
www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/v...
www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/v...