Ferndale’s bike network was largely initiated with strong support from former City Manager Tom Barwin. The network’s bike lanes were some of the first properly designed lanes in the motor city.

That given, it should be of little surprise that he’s receiving kudos on a Chicago bike blog. Tom is now the Village Manager for Oak Park, Illinois:

The Village of Oak Park, which has already earned recognition for such environmental accomplishments as building the state’s first green public works facility, has added bicycles to its fleet of more than100 vehicles powered by alternative fuels. Two bikes have been refurbished, equipped with panniers and locks, and have been made available for use by employees in the Department of Public Works. Owen Read, the Oak Park Pedestrian and Bicycle Ambassador, yesterday visited the Oak Park DPW for an hour-long information session touching on reasons to ride, bicycle safety, and rules of the road. A number of Public Works employees, from experienced cycle commuters to eager novices, showed up to ask questions and share their own experiences.

Chicago continues to lead the charge and set the biking standards for other cities to follow. This latest news comes from the Chicago Bicycle Federation:

Today Mayor Daley introduced the 2008 Bicycle Safety Ordinance to the Chicago City Council. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, which provided input as the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Bicycle Program developed the ordinance, was happy to hear about the ordinance’s introduction. It could mean a big step in protecting bicyclists in Chicago.

This ordinance is in accordance with Chicago’s Bike 2015 Plan by increasing fines for traffic violations that endanger bicyclists, making Chicago’s rules consistent with Illinois laws and clarifying instances where motorists are required to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists.

Specific provisions of the ordinance define three feet as the minimum safe distance to pass a bicyclist, prohibit opening a vehicle door into moving traffic, increase the fines for parking in bike lanes or marked shared lanes, clarify that left-turning motorists yield to oncoming bicyclists and prohibit motorists from turning right in front of a bicyclist.

Violation of the proposed rules will result in a minimum fine of $150 and no less than $500 when the violation results in a bicycle crash. The proposed ordinance will make it easier for police to issue tickets, and for prosecutors to bring charges when motorists hit bicyclists.

The proposed ordinance was assigned to the Committee for Traffic and Safety Control.

Chicago eyes Paris self-service bike scheme - Yahoo! News:

“The United States’ third largest city, Chicago, may soon adopt a rent-a-bike scheme similar to the one launched this summer in Paris, mayor Richard M. Daley said during a trip to the French capital Tuesday.

“The Democrat mayor, himself a cyclist, said he was ‘greatly impressed’ with the Paris network of self-service bicycles, which has clocked up more than 3.7 million rides since its launch in mid-July.

“Riders can pick up a bike at any time of day or night, after lodging a 150-euro safety deposit. The first half hour is free, with prices rising to one euro (1.4 dollars) for every extra half hour.”