One of the exciting aspects of living in Chicago is that the city is constantly growing, evolving and improving. And late last year, the Chicago Transit Authority rolled out its new Loop Link, which is designed not only to provide better service, but to improve safety as well.
The structure of the Loop Link is designed to separate bus traffic from regular and bicycle traffic. To this end, special lanes are dedicated to buses and bicycles. Moreover, Loop Link's stations are removed from sidewalks and have large canopy-covered areas. This configuration should help keep pedestrians out of harm's way and protected from the elements as they get on and off their buses.
The structure of the Loop Link is designed to separate bus traffic from regular and bicycle traffic. To this end, special lanes are dedicated to buses and bicycles. Moreover, Loop Link's stations are removed from sidewalks and have large canopy-covered areas. This configuration should help keep pedestrians out of harm's way and protected from the elements as they get on and off their buses.
In an effort to reduce traffic congestion, certain intersections of several of the Loop Link streets have enhanced signage and even specific traffic signals that allow buses to proceed early. Hopefully, by decreasing factors that contribute to traffic congestion, there will also be a decrease in the number of accidents that occur in the area.
Perhaps if the Loop Link successfully creates a safe environment for pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users, it will stand as a model for improvements all across the city. This would be a welcome change as it is still all too easy to be involved in a bus-related accident. And such accidents, especially those involving pedestrians and bicyclists can be extremely serious.
Bus companies have a duty to make sure that their buses are properly maintained so that when they traverse Chicago's busy streets they do not endanger others. And drivers must be trained and qualified to operate these large vehicles. If you should ever be injured in a bus accident, an Illinois personal injury attorney could perform an investigation and help you pursue compensation.