Chicago bicyclists have to navigate a daily obstacle course of distracted drivers, poorly maintained roads, and inadequate bike infrastructure. As a result of the city's growing bicycle safety concerns, the Chicago City Council approved the Smart Streets pilot bike lane ticketing program in March 2023 to enhance safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. However, 16 months later, the program has yet to issue a single ticket, leaving many wondering about its effectiveness and future.
What Is The Smart Streets Pilot Bike Lane Ticketing Program?
The Smart Streets pilot program was approved on March 15, 2023. It seeks to use technology to enforce traffic laws and improve safety for all road users. The program targets violations in bike lanes, bus-only lanes, bus stops, and crosswalks. It covers much of downtown Chicago and the surrounding neighborhoods, including the area from Lake Michigan to Ashland Avenue and North Avenue to Roosevelt Road.
The Smart Streets program uses city cameras mounted on vehicles and other infrastructure to monitor traffic violations. When a violation occurs, the system captures images and data. Offenders receive one warning letter before the Department of Finance issues a ticket. The City Council increased the fine for blocking a bike lane from $150 to $250.
Once implemented, the Smart Streets program could significantly improve bicyclist safety in Chicago. Automatically enforcing traffic laws could lead to clearer paths for bicyclists and reduce the risk of bicycle accidents caused by sudden swerves or unexpected obstacles.
Moreover, the increased fines for violations send a clear and strong message about the importance of respecting bicyclist spaces. As drivers become more aware of the potential financial consequences, they may be more cautious around bike lanes and other protected areas.
Why Hasn't The Bike Lane Ticketing Program Started Yet?
Despite its approval over a year ago, the Smart Streets program has not issued any tickets. The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) extended the bike ticketing program end date, but officials couldn't provide a firm start date at a recent council hearing. Robert Kearney, chief of staff for Ald. Brendan Reilly, one of the ordinance's sponsors, cited difficulties finding a suitable vendor for the pilot technology as the main reason for the delay.
CDOT spokesperson Erica Schroeder stated that officials hope to launch the pilot this fall. "While the start date is later than initially planned, we are actively working to ensure that, once operational, the pilot can provide valuable insights and, most importantly, encourage safer driving behaviors," Schroeder said. She added that the extension would allow the city to gather comprehensive data and assess the program's outcomes effectively.
How Have City Council Members Reacted?
The delay sparked frustration among several alderpersons. Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) called the holdup "unacceptable" due to safety concerns and the need for citywide implementation. "In wards and neighborhoods around our ward, kids have been killed because of not having enforced bike lanes," Vasquez said.
Ald. Matt Martin (47th) echoed these frustrations but expressed optimism about the extension. He believes it will give the program more "runway" to succeed and potentially expand.
Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st), chair of the pedestrian and traffic safety committee, blamed the city's contracting procedures for the slow progress. "There's no politics behind it. There's no malice behind it. It is inefficiencies in the contracting, logistical side of things," La Spata explained.
What's Next For The Smart Streets Bike Lane Ticketing Program?
The City Council recently advanced a "trailer" ordinance to add automated parking meter violations to the pilot program. This addition and the pilot extension still need final approval from the full City Council.
As the city works to resolve vendor issues and launch the program, bicyclists and safety advocates eagerly await its implementation.
The success of this bike lane ticketing program could pave the way for citywide expansion, potentially transforming Chicago's approach to traffic enforcement and cyclist safety.
What Should You Do If You're Hurt In A Bicycle Accident In Chicago?
If you've been injured in a bicycle accident in Chicago, get a strong legal advocate on your side who fights for the rights of bicyclists. The attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. have a proven track record of advocating for injured bicyclists. We're passionate about it because we are bicyclists. Our case results include:
- A $1.25 million settlement for the family of a bicyclist killed in a collision with a motor vehicle during a training ride.
- A $550,000 settlement for a Chicago bicyclist who suffered a fractured tibial plateau after being hit by a school bus.
- A $295,000 settlement for a Chicago bicyclist who was the victim of a right hook when a taxi hit him.
Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless they win your case. This allows you to focus on recovery while we handle your claim from start to finish. Contact us online or call 833-CALL-KLO to schedule your free consultation. We hold negligent drivers accountable and fight hard for injured cyclists.
