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Emanuel Plan Would Separate Runners, Bicyclists

(CBS) -- Spring means longer days, hopefully warmer weather and jammed-packed city bike paths.

Now, Mayor Emanuel wants to ease bike path congestion.

CBS 2's Dana Kozlov says part of the plan means separating the wheels from the feet.

It isn't enough that the Emanuel administration reconfigured some of the busiest streets in The Loop.

Now, City Hall wants to move to the lakefront and widen about five miles of the bike path, designating specific lanes for bikers and specific lanes for walkers and runners.

"It's all part of a 'Building on Burnham' plan where we are going to dramatically improve our lakefront," Emanuel said Monday.

A city spokesperson says the mayor would focus on the stretch of path from Fullerton south to Ohio and 31st Street down to 51st. The concept seems to be something on which the mayor and his frequent Friends of the Park foes can actually agree.

"It's absolutely a good start," group Executive Director Juanita Irizarry says.

The Friends of the Parks has been pushing for path improvements since its 2013 report was released. Safety was cited a major concern for pedestrians worried about getting hit by bicyclists.

More details were expected to be released Tuesday.

 

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