Steven Can Plan
I don’t recommend it.
2012
![Array](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4658951648_37d803839e.jpg "Every year, the Active Transportation Alliance (formerly the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation) puts on Bike The Drive, where Lake Shore Drive is closed for four hours to registered bicycle riders.
Music is "Rotator" by Moby, from <a href=\"http://mobygratis.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">mobygratis.com</a>
Watch this <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/12166211\" rel=\"nofollow\">video</a> on Vimeo. Video created by <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/stevevance\" rel=\"nofollow\">Steven Vance</a>.
Filmed using a <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesbondsv/4661357837/in/photostream/\">studio clamp</a> from Calumet Photo.
<a href=\"http://www.stevevance.net/planning/closed-for-a-good-cause/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Seen in my blog</a>.")
2010
2008
I guess I have some sort of two-year anniversary for doing it.
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About Steven Can Plan
I started this blog in 2007 as the writing assignment for an introductory urban planning class at UIC. It's about cities (mainly Chicago), GIS oftentimes, and transportation (mainly bicycling). Learn more about me, Steven Vance. I also write for Streetsblog Chicago.
Steven Can Plan is hosted on Dreamhost.
Chicago Bike Map App
The Chicago Bike Map app is a bike and street map stored entirely in your iOS device – no data connection required. The map is designed to look much like the City of Chicago's official printed and online bike map. The app works on iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
- Download from the iTunes Store
- Demo the app online
- On iOS, search for "chicago bike map" in the App Store app
Highly Recommended Bike Products
Brooks B67 leather sprung saddle
So far my longest trip was 40 miles on this saddle. It molds to your butt like Birkenstock sandals mold to your feet. The springs make the bike ride a little more comfortable and more fun (weird, because you bounce up and down on them). It also looks gorgeous. Comes in 3 colors - I got black.
Detours Toocan utility pannier
I've used this pannier to carry groceries, books, my laptop, clothing, anything. I like it because it's stylish (but also "normal" looking at the same time), stands up on its own, is extremely durable, and has the most universal attachment system: two hooks.
So far I haven't had a flat with this tire. I've used Continental Gatorskin and Panaracer T-Serv, both of which have had flats (same Chicago streets). The Gatorskin has less tread than both, and wears to a slick surface faster.
Books
Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says About Us) by Tom Vanderbilt
As someone who doesn't like driving, but believes that cars can be efficient in moving groups of people and goods, this is my favorite book.
Transit Maps of the World by Mark Ovenden, Mike Ashworth
Sustainable Transportation Planning: Tools for Creating Vibrant, Healthy, and Resilient Communities (Wiley Series in Sustainable Design) by Jeffrey Tumlin
I was sent a review copy. I'm really excited to open it up and start reading because I've been disappointed with textbooks in the past that don't focus on bicycle and pedestrian planning.
Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS by John Krygier PhD, Denis Wood PhD
If you are going to make a map, whether it be hand drawn or digital, you should really give this book a read. Then read it every time you make a map. It will help make sure your maps are laid out sensibly, in a way that others can easily read, and that it doesn't include fluff or unnecessary data.
The Practice of Local Government Planning (Municipal Management Series) by
You could basically design and administer a new town kind of effectively after reading this huge and boring textbook.
