Break The Gridlock!

Wisconsin Governor Doyle has put Milwaukee on track to be America's train manufacturing center of the 21st Century.

And, what could be more poetic than replacing a former automotive plant with a train manufacturer?  Well, maybe building trains in Detroit would have been better -- but Michigan is still holding the clamy hands of a lying, dying automobile industry.

Dear Gridlock Breakers,

Break The Gridlock presents

An Advocacy Social
Immediately following the
Bike Winter Swap Meet and Urban Bicycle Expo

Saturday, February 6, 2010
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Jak's Tap | 901 W. Jackson

Break the Gridlock is ready and willing to agitate for change, and we need to know... what are your dreams or demands of how transportation in Chicago should be?  Don't miss this exciting kickoff to a new decade of Break the Gridlock as we strive to make a positive impact on Chicago's transportation options while supporting grassroots organizations working toward the same goal.

Bring your big ideas and a thirst for change (and for beverages).  Expand your visions as you hear and share transportation success stories seen in other cities.  From New York to Portland, American's urban centers are showing their capability to think outside the car.  Bike Boulevards, pedestrian malls, on-street bike corral parking, and many other solutions to Chicago's gridlock epidemic await our collective energy.  It's our turn to turn the tide.  Let Break the Gridlock help you reach your goals for the future of transportation in Chicago.

Bike Boulevards Now! is a brand new advocacy group in Chicago forming to discuss how to get Bike Boulevards started in Chicago.  Bike Boulevards Now! is a provisional member organization of Break The Gridlock.

Watch this space for more information soon about this group.

There are people in this city who believe, in spite of an abundance of opposing evidence and logic, that cars belong.  They are dead wrong.

ANSWER Chicago ("Act Now to Stop War and End Racism") is a generally progressive group that has been one of the main organizers of anti-war and pro-immigrant demonstrations in Chicago in the last few years.  They unfortunately have become yet another example of accidental and misguided pro-car activism.  Recently, they opined on the issues of parking and parking rates:

http://www.chicagoanswer.net/ParkingMeter.htm

Today, the date the General Motors bankruptcy was announced, Michael Moore released letter entitled "Goodbye, GM ...by Michael Moore". In the letter, he recognizes the problem the private automobile is having on our society. Micheal Moore says of cars: "To continue to build them would only lead to the ruin of our species and much of the planet." He then editorializes on his suggested changes to national policy on in the wake of the event.

Break The Gridlock is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a 501c3 designation by the I.R.S. This designation allows us to now accept charitable donations on behalf of our Member Organizations. Additionally, we can now begin our Individual Membership program allowing those who have a philosophical agreement with Break The Gridlock to add their voice to ours and provide us with the financial support necessary to continue and expand our service offerings to our Member Organizations.

Family, friends and community members will unite to install a “ghost bike” to memorialize the death of Logan Square resident Blanca Ocasio on the one-year anniversary of her tragic September 2007 death. The installation is to take place at the intersection of Armitage Ave. and Kedzie Boulevard on Chicago’s northwest side.