CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Motorists who park or otherwise block bike and bus lanes in some parts of Chicago could start receiving automated tickets in a matter of months.
Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commissioner Tom Carney told the city council’s Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety that CDOT and the revenue department believe using mobile cameras will be the best way to begin ticketing drivers who park in bicycle lanes and bus lanes.
The effort will take the form of a pilot program in the downtown area, and Carney said it could be launched as soon as this summer.
Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th) represents Chicago’s Edgewater and Uptown neighborhoods. The alderwoman said she just bought a bike and such enforcement will be good for people like her — and families trying to be safe.
“And the children, especially, including Lily Shambrook, who lost her life because of a truck that was in a bike lane,” she said. “We want to prevent that from happening. We need to slow down streets, and we need our sidewalks and our bike lanes to work for everybody.”
The bicycle carrying 3-year-old Lily was struck by a vehicle as it maneuvered around a truck that was parked in a bike lane.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok