Dickens Landing, a vital part of Chicago's Lincoln Park, is under threat, and residents are rallying to protect it. After 4.5 years of planning and community input, the Dickens Greenway officially opened in January 2024. However, just months later, the City announced plans to reopen the space to cars.
The original goal of Dickens Landing was simple: to make the neighborhood safer for everyone. By discouraging drivers from using side streets as shortcuts through Lincoln Park, the space helps reduce pedestrian and bicycle accidents. Funded with nearly $1 million from Chicago's Divvy bike-share program, the plaza became a safe haven for families to walk and cyclists to ride without worrying about traffic.
For many in the area, the push for safer streets is personal. In 2006, 4-year-old Maya Hirsch was tragically struck and killed by a driver while walking with her family just a quarter-mile from the plaza. This heartbreaking loss reminded the community of the dangers posed by cars on residential roads. Dickens Landing was designed to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
Now, with the City's plans to reverse these efforts, residents are fighting to keep this crucial safety measure intact.
Why Is The City Reopening Dickens Landing?
Despite years of community planning, city officials have quietly decided to reopen Dickens Landing to cars without any public hearings. Ald. Timmy Knudsen's office confirmed the City's intent to return the plaza to motorists, yet details about the decision remain scarce.
The move seems to involve several agencies, including the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Fire Department, but none have offered clear explanations. This lack of transparency has left residents frustrated, especially after so much effort went into creating a safer neighborhood space. Advocates are questioning the rationale—if the issue is driver confusion, they argue that better signage could resolve it without reversing the hard-won progress that Dickens Landing represents.
How Has The Community Responded?
In response to the threat of reopening Dickens Landing, the advocacy group Chicago, Bike Grid Now! (CBGN!) swiftly took action. Leading the charge, CBGN! launched a letter-writing campaign, sending over 2,400 letters to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), Complete Streets Director Dave Smith, and City Council members. The letters urged city officials to reconsider their decision and keep the plaza closed to cars.
CBGN! didn't stop there. The group also organized a "Bike Jam" protest, where around 150 cyclists gathered at Jonquil Park and rode southeast toward Dickens Landing. This large, highly visible group aimed to raise awareness and demonstrate support for keeping the plaza car-free. After passing through the plaza, they circled back, ending their ride at Dickens Landing. There, bike advocates and local parents delivered powerful speeches emphasizing the importance of maintaining the space for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
Why Does Keeping Dickens Landing Matter?
Reopening Dickens Landing to cars poses significant risks for the community. It means more vehicles cutting through, increasing the danger for families walking, children biking, and residents enjoying the area. The bigger issue is the message it sends—if a few complaints can overturn years of community planning, it sets a dangerous precedent that any safety project can be undone for the sake of driver convenience.
But the community isn't giving up. The letter-writing campaign is still going strong, with nearly 2,500 letters sent so far (as of this writing). Residents are calling on city officials—Ald. Knudsen, CDOT, and even Mayor Brandon Johnson—to prioritize public safety. The decision-makers now face mounting pressure to keep Dickens Landing car-free or explain why they're putting driver convenience over the safety of local families.
With ongoing advocacy, neighborhood support, and visible protests drawing attention, the message is clear: reopening Dickens Landing to cars would be a major step backward.
Injured In A Chicago Bicycle Accident? Call Keating Law Offices.
Bicycle accidents can happen in an instant, leaving cyclists with serious injuries and a long road to recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident near Dickens Landing or anywhere else in Chicago, the experienced attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. are ready to fight for your rights. As proud supporters of the cycling community, we understand the dangers Chicago cyclists face every day from reckless and negligent drivers—and we're here to help when it matters most.
Our attorneys are national leaders in bicycle law, with a proven track record of securing tens of millions for injured cyclists across Illinois. We know how to go up against the insurance companies and hold negligent drivers accountable. Here are just a few of our notable case results:
- $1,250,000 for a suburban cyclist tragically killed by a motor vehicle.
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Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so you won't pay a dime unless we win your case. Plus, your first consultation is always free. Contact us online or call 833-CALL-KLO to see how we can help you.
**Keating Law Offices is a sponsor of Streetsblog Chicago.
