Bike initiative gets start at Six Corners
by BRIAN NADIG
The Six Corners Association began its bike-friendly initiative on Saturday, April 2, with the installation of on-street bike corrals and a mural.
"Creating a bike-friendly Chicago is essential for the vibrancy of our communities by connecting us to our neighbors and our physical spaces," association executive director Kelli Wefenstette said.
The corrals, which were installed in parking lanes, have posts that feature the association’s logo for a dozen bikes. They have been installed in front of the Filament Theater, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave., and at the southwest corner of Milwaukee and Cuyler avenues, and additional ones will be installed in front of City Newsstand, 4018 N. Cicero Ave., and at the southeast corner of Irving Park Road and Lamon Avenue.
A bike-themed mural was installed at the Milwaukee-Cuyler intersection, and a second mural is planned for the alley behind buildings in the 4000 block of Milwaukee. Installation of the mural in the alley was delayed to blustery conditions on April 2.
The association worked with artists Tony Passero and Shawn Cassara and Arts Alive Chicago on the creation and design of the murals.
The installation of the corrals and the mural was held in connection with a community clean-up that attracted 75 volunteers to the shopping district.
The bike initiatives have attracted the attention of the Active Transportation Alliance, which offered to identify strengths and areas of improvement for area transportation, Wefenstette said. The association is seeking to improve safety for all modes of transportation to and from the district, she said.
In addition, a Divvy bike station is scheduled to be installed in the shopping district this year, and a "people spot," which typically includes decorative furniture and art elements on a platform, is planned for the parking lane in front of Josi’s Frozen Yogurt Cafe, 4032 N. Milwaukee Ave.
