Abby Klionsky
@abionsky.bsky.social
Teacher of littles ~ year-round #biker ~ indoor climber ~ improv w/ @whimsypc.bsky.social ~ Chicago native + lived in NJ, MS, & CA ~ mostly posts about #bikechi, transit, & the Point
Also, I have been on many, many trains this weekend and not once has there been someone smoking on the train. A true breath of fresh air.
Fare-capping in NYC. Chicago when??
(Tho it seems there's only a weekly cap, not a daily cap.)
(Tho it seems there's only a weekly cap, not a daily cap.)
November 17, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Also, I have been on many, many trains this weekend and not once has there been someone smoking on the train. A true breath of fresh air.
Fare-capping in NYC. Chicago when??
(Tho it seems there's only a weekly cap, not a daily cap.)
(Tho it seems there's only a weekly cap, not a daily cap.)
November 16, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Fare-capping in NYC. Chicago when??
(Tho it seems there's only a weekly cap, not a daily cap.)
(Tho it seems there's only a weekly cap, not a daily cap.)
If I wasn't already convinced of @thewaroncars.bsky.social, flying into NYC at night and seeing streams of red taillights would 10000% convince me. Maybe people just need to see it from above?
November 14, 2025 at 11:40 PM
If I wasn't already convinced of @thewaroncars.bsky.social, flying into NYC at night and seeing streams of red taillights would 10000% convince me. Maybe people just need to see it from above?
Reposted by Abby Klionsky
![4-panel vertical comic. (1) 100 Years Ago [two people standing next to bicycle with small car nearby] PERSON 1: It’s too dangerous riding a bike with these cars around. I should get a car, too. (2) 50 Years Ago [two people between smaller car and bigger car] PERSON 2 with short hair: Small cars are less safe in collisions with larger vehicles, so I should get a bigger one. (3) Today [two people between big car and even bigger car] PERSON 1: Everyone has huge SUVs now. If I don’t get the biggest one, I’m putting my family at risk. (4) Soon [two people next to large armored car with spiked clubs attached] PERSON 2: If I don’t install more whirling spike clubs, I’ll be destroyed by all the other drivers who...](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreiby6can6k76yzfmv2czxs4pu2l7zie7bqbrpswi7h3ifmiadkuqvu@jpeg)
Reposted by Abby Klionsky
This week I wrote about the rise of the e-bike dad - this piece was originally going to run alongside the story I did in September about the bike boom in general, and we didn't have space in print, but here it is:
www.economist.com/united-state...
www.economist.com/united-state...
Parents on e-bikes are transforming the school run
They’re smug, snug and often faster than drivers
www.economist.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:34 PM
This week I wrote about the rise of the e-bike dad - this piece was originally going to run alongside the story I did in September about the bike boom in general, and we didn't have space in print, but here it is:
www.economist.com/united-state...
www.economist.com/united-state...
Last @whimsypc.bsky.social improv show of the year is next Tues 11/18 at 8pm at Jimmy's/Woodlawn Tap in Hyde Park. Come for some laughs before 2025 ends! (Free show, cash bar, bring friends)
Whimsy Planning Commission shows
Add your name and email and/or phone if you wish to get info on future shows of the Chicago based improv troupe Whimsy Planning Commission!
bit.ly
November 12, 2025 at 3:55 AM
Last @whimsypc.bsky.social improv show of the year is next Tues 11/18 at 8pm at Jimmy's/Woodlawn Tap in Hyde Park. Come for some laughs before 2025 ends! (Free show, cash bar, bring friends)
Reposted by Abby Klionsky
I'm throwing up
Astonishing: Bovino and his agents showed up at the Bean this morning to pose for pictures. While Border Patrol snapped photos, one agent shouted, “Everyone say, ‘Little Village!’” The neighborhood where they are least welcome and most acutely felt. blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/10/b...
Border Patrol Agents Pose At 'The Bean' For Apparent Photo Op
The photo op came after agents tear-gassed a Little Village street and were spotted in the area numerous times. At the Bean, one agent shouted, "Everyone say, Little Village!"
blockclubchicago.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:49 PM
I'm throwing up
Reposted by Abby Klionsky
The coordinated nature of this—none are facing voters in 2026—means that either Schumer approved it or failed in his job as Senate Majority Leader to stop it.
Dems voting "no" get zero credit until they demand a change in leadership. Schumer out as Leader, Durbin out as Whip.
Dems voting "no" get zero credit until they demand a change in leadership. Schumer out as Leader, Durbin out as Whip.
so currently defectors are:
Kaine (2030)
Shaheen (Retiring)
Hasan (2028)
Fetterman (2028)
Durbin (Retiring)
CCM (2028)
Rosen (2030)
King (2030)
Kaine (2030)
Shaheen (Retiring)
Hasan (2028)
Fetterman (2028)
Durbin (Retiring)
CCM (2028)
Rosen (2030)
King (2030)
November 10, 2025 at 2:43 AM
The coordinated nature of this—none are facing voters in 2026—means that either Schumer approved it or failed in his job as Senate Majority Leader to stop it.
Dems voting "no" get zero credit until they demand a change in leadership. Schumer out as Leader, Durbin out as Whip.
Dems voting "no" get zero credit until they demand a change in leadership. Schumer out as Leader, Durbin out as Whip.
10/10 recommend taking transit to a wedding on a snowy night so you can be winter on the outside, black-tie on the inside. (And also having that wedding be at the cultural center so you can be on a Metra home within 7 minutes of deciding to call it quits for the night)
November 10, 2025 at 12:20 PM
10/10 recommend taking transit to a wedding on a snowy night so you can be winter on the outside, black-tie on the inside. (And also having that wedding be at the cultural center so you can be on a Metra home within 7 minutes of deciding to call it quits for the night)
OMG I think it's happening??? 🤞❄️🙏
But also anyone can explain why the snow on the ground is in chunks? Like big clumps that look like they were actually ice they slid off a roof or something?
But also anyone can explain why the snow on the ground is in chunks? Like big clumps that look like they were actually ice they slid off a roof or something?
November 10, 2025 at 6:02 AM
OMG I think it's happening??? 🤞❄️🙏
But also anyone can explain why the snow on the ground is in chunks? Like big clumps that look like they were actually ice they slid off a roof or something?
But also anyone can explain why the snow on the ground is in chunks? Like big clumps that look like they were actually ice they slid off a roof or something?
I am on the Green Line. guy sitting across from me took out a generic (unlabelled) ~2oz spray bottle. sprayed his hands. I assumed sanitizer. Then sprayed his bald head. ? Then opened the bottle, put it up to his nose, sniffed hard, and smiled before closing it and tucking it away. ??? ??? ???
November 9, 2025 at 9:31 PM
I am on the Green Line. guy sitting across from me took out a generic (unlabelled) ~2oz spray bottle. sprayed his hands. I assumed sanitizer. Then sprayed his bald head. ? Then opened the bottle, put it up to his nose, sniffed hard, and smiled before closing it and tucking it away. ??? ??? ???
Just tried calling my Senator Dick Durbin's office (D-IL), urging him not to cave to centrists, and was routed to voicemail because of "high call volume". About to be on the subway then a wedding, so please call backfor me within the next 30 mins! (202) 224-3121
Call the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and they will connect you with your senator's office.
If you're represented by one of the squishier centrists, be sure to make a call. Now.
If you're represented by one of the squishier centrists, be sure to make a call. Now.
Sounds like the squishes in the senate caucus are ready to pull the plug with no ACA changes. This is real. If you want to register your opinion you shld call yr senator in the next hour. They not only want to reopen w/nothing. They want cover from their colleagues who still want to hold out.
November 9, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Just tried calling my Senator Dick Durbin's office (D-IL), urging him not to cave to centrists, and was routed to voicemail because of "high call volume". About to be on the subway then a wedding, so please call backfor me within the next 30 mins! (202) 224-3121
Reposted by Abby Klionsky
Bands of intense lake effect snow are expected tonight into Monday near many of the Great Lakes areas highlighted in this image. Dangerous to impossible travel conditions are possible, including during the Monday Morning commutes for some. Get details for your area at weather.gov
November 9, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Bands of intense lake effect snow are expected tonight into Monday near many of the Great Lakes areas highlighted in this image. Dangerous to impossible travel conditions are possible, including during the Monday Morning commutes for some. Get details for your area at weather.gov
Reposted by Abby Klionsky
Here’s how we should all be reporting on the spurious claims from these agencies that have repeatedly been caught in lies and exaggerations:
Border patrol chief reprimanded for lying claims shots were fired at immigration officers in Chicago
Gregory Bovino was called out by a judge only two days earlier for lying about being assaulted by a protester
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Here’s how we should all be reporting on the spurious claims from these agencies that have repeatedly been caught in lies and exaggerations:
Reposted by Abby Klionsky
Terrible: Hit-and-run driver of red 2010 Ford Fusion with plate BN 64959 hit Dr. Ray Lee while he was biking from work on 10/29 around 4:30 PM at Damen and Van Buren, throwing him 30 feet. He's still in a coma. Wife: "He's just the nicest, sweetest guy."
@chicritmass.bsky.social @bikegridnow.org
@chicritmass.bsky.social @bikegridnow.org
Chicago doctor and avid cyclist in coma after hit-and-run near Illinois Medical District, wife says
A Chicago doctor who is typically helping others after serious accidents now depends on others after a driver hit him while he was biking and left the scene.
abc7chicago.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:44 AM
Terrible: Hit-and-run driver of red 2010 Ford Fusion with plate BN 64959 hit Dr. Ray Lee while he was biking from work on 10/29 around 4:30 PM at Damen and Van Buren, throwing him 30 feet. He's still in a coma. Wife: "He's just the nicest, sweetest guy."
@chicritmass.bsky.social @bikegridnow.org
@chicritmass.bsky.social @bikegridnow.org
Reposted by Abby Klionsky
Caravan of federal agents spotted around 26th and Kedzie in Little Village. This has attracted crowd of residents yelling at them to leave. A community meeting nearby was cancelled. CPD is keeping crowds of residents back. Another disruptive day for something that’s become common in Little Village.
November 8, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Caravan of federal agents spotted around 26th and Kedzie in Little Village. This has attracted crowd of residents yelling at them to leave. A community meeting nearby was cancelled. CPD is keeping crowds of residents back. Another disruptive day for something that’s become common in Little Village.
I'm sad to learn of the death of Alison Isenberg, who was a generous and important resource when I was working as Princeton's public historian, researching and publicizing stories of (In)Visible History at the university. May her memory be a blessing for all who knew and loved and learned from her.
I've been waiting to comment publicly on this until the university made its announcement, but the Department of History at Princeton is devastated by the recent death of our wonderful colleague Alison Isenberg.
Alison Isenberg, distinguished urban historian and co-founder of Princeton-Mellon Initiative in Architecture, Urbanism and the Humanities, dies
A public memorial and celebration of Isenberg’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the University Chapel.
www.princeton.edu
November 7, 2025 at 8:50 PM
I'm sad to learn of the death of Alison Isenberg, who was a generous and important resource when I was working as Princeton's public historian, researching and publicizing stories of (In)Visible History at the university. May her memory be a blessing for all who knew and loved and learned from her.
Reposted by Abby Klionsky
Open some new bottles the party’s not over folks
BREAKING: Colorado voters approved a ballot measure that would raise state income taxes on higher-earning households to fund free meals for all public school students.
Follow AP for live updates.
Follow AP for live updates.
Live updates: US voters head to the polls in first general election since Trump's return to power
One year after Donald Trump retook the presidency, 2025 Election Day includes closely watched races for New York City mayor, New Jersey governor and California's Proposition 50.
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Open some new bottles the party’s not over folks
Looks like the WB 55/172 stop at 55/Lake Park is one of the 20 stops selected for digital sign pilot! (Screenshot from UChi Transit Instagram page)
chi.streetsblog.org/2024/10/12/a...
chi.streetsblog.org/2024/10/12/a...
November 5, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Looks like the WB 55/172 stop at 55/Lake Park is one of the 20 stops selected for digital sign pilot! (Screenshot from UChi Transit Instagram page)
chi.streetsblog.org/2024/10/12/a...
chi.streetsblog.org/2024/10/12/a...
Reposted by Abby Klionsky
NYC hits 2 million votes, breaking the 1989 record (1.9M) and taking us back to records set in the 1960s!
(1969: 2.4M; 1965: 2.6M)
(1969: 2.4M; 1965: 2.6M)
November 5, 2025 at 2:00 AM
NYC hits 2 million votes, breaking the 1989 record (1.9M) and taking us back to records set in the 1960s!
(1969: 2.4M; 1965: 2.6M)
(1969: 2.4M; 1965: 2.6M)
Reposted by Abby Klionsky
Chicago Street vendor buyout bike ride. Chicagoland bicyclist stepping up. 🙌🏻
November 4, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Chicago Street vendor buyout bike ride. Chicagoland bicyclist stepping up. 🙌🏻
Reposted by Abby Klionsky
UPDATE
UPDATE
UPDATE
UPDATE
We just aded over 200 *more* cities to our drop downs tonight.
There are now over 500 cities in our drop downs - that's almost 4 times the amount of cities we've had for years.
States shaded in green have had new cities added in the last 3 weeks.
UPDATE
UPDATE
UPDATE
We just aded over 200 *more* cities to our drop downs tonight.
There are now over 500 cities in our drop downs - that's almost 4 times the amount of cities we've had for years.
States shaded in green have had new cities added in the last 3 weeks.
November 4, 2025 at 4:01 AM
UPDATE
UPDATE
UPDATE
UPDATE
We just aded over 200 *more* cities to our drop downs tonight.
There are now over 500 cities in our drop downs - that's almost 4 times the amount of cities we've had for years.
States shaded in green have had new cities added in the last 3 weeks.
UPDATE
UPDATE
UPDATE
We just aded over 200 *more* cities to our drop downs tonight.
There are now over 500 cities in our drop downs - that's almost 4 times the amount of cities we've had for years.
States shaded in green have had new cities added in the last 3 weeks.
Why are the Sunday metra headways distributed like this? Alternating between 30 minutes and 90 minutes. Wouldn't hourly be better, and still be the same total number of trains?
November 4, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Why are the Sunday metra headways distributed like this? Alternating between 30 minutes and 90 minutes. Wouldn't hourly be better, and still be the same total number of trains?
Reposted by Abby Klionsky
if you're on SNAP and need bike repair I'll do it for free. DM me and we'll get it figured out (I'm back in Chicago 11/8)
These Chicago restaurants are offering free or discounted meals during SNAP pause: blockclubchi.co/47DM5Ys
November 3, 2025 at 5:06 PM
if you're on SNAP and need bike repair I'll do it for free. DM me and we'll get it figured out (I'm back in Chicago 11/8)