Chicago's first protected bike lane completed

July 25, 2011 (CHICAGO) Chicago's Department of Transportation says the city's first protected bike lane has been completed on the city's near northwest side, not far from downtown. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Monday.

The lane is one that separates bike riders from vehicles. It's called a cycle track and is being tested on a half-mile stretch. Flexible posts are being used to separate bikers from traffic.

Transportation department spokesman Brian Steele tells The Chicago Tribune that the cost of the project is about $140,000.

Plans are in the works for another test site on Jackson between Damen and Halsted.