This meeting of the Committee on Pedestrian
and Traffic Safety is now called to order
for June 12th, 2025.
We will now have a roll call to establish Quorum
Chairman LaSpada present Vice-Chair Cruz
Alderman Hopkins on his wait.
Altman Robinson on his way, Derman Yancy
Derman Chico Derman Quinn
Derman Moore may be joining us.
Uh, Derman Curtis Derman.
Burnett Derman Irvin Derman Knutson
Derman Lawson, Derman Martin
and Alderwoman Mana Howorth.
We have nine members present. We have a Quorum Committee.
Members Chico
and more have requested
to participate in today's meeting remotely
pursuant to Rule 59.
Uh, we will AWAI their attendant with us
and we will motion them in.
Once they're able to join us
at this time, we will begin the public comment period.
Out of respect for everybody's time, each speaker is limited
to three minutes and there has no one timely signed
up for a public comment.
So we shall roll right along.
This concludes the public comment period.
Uh, the committee also received one written comment
that was emailed to committee members yesterday.
Our first order of business is the Rule 45 report from May,
which was sent out via email
and distributed to committee members.
Can I have a motion to approve the May Rule 45 report?
Alderwoman Mana Howorth.
So moves all of those in favor of passing the report.
Say aye. All of those appeals opposed,
say nay in the opinion of the chair.
The ayes have it. We will now begin
with the items before the committee.
We are going to go out of order to begin
with the routine items, starting
with the direct introduction ordinances on
pages two through four.
Can I have a motion to recommend approval
of all direct introduction ordinances on pages two
through four by the same roll call vote as was applied
to determine quorum.
So moved. Alderman Yancy hearing no objections. So ordered.
Let us turn to pages five through seven
for the recommended portion of the agenda for items one
and two and three.
On page five, we received substitute ordinances
that make changes to the language per CDOT recommendation.
These substitutes were distributed via email
and handed out today.
Can I have a motion to accept these three
substitute ordinances?
So moved. Alderman Hearing no objections. So ordered.
And can I have a motion to recommend approval
of all recommended items on pages five through seven,
including the accepted accepted substitutes for items one
and two and three on page five by the same roll call vote
as was applied to determine Quorum Alderman Lawson.
So moves, hearing no objections so ordered.
We will now turn to pages eight through 13
for the no recommendation portion of the agenda,
which are items that they received at no recommendation
from city departments.
These ordinances were submitted
as overrides are on the agenda of the request
of the all person or do not require departmental approval
for item 15 on page 12
and items 2, 4, 6, 9, and 10.
On page 13, we've received substitute ordinances
that also make changes
to the language per CDOs recommendation.
These substitutes were emailed
and distributed today can have a motion
to accept these six substitute ordinances.
Ottoman Curtis. So moves, hearing no objection. So ordered.
And can I have a motion to recommend approval
of all no recommendation items on pages eight through 13?
It whoop, including,
including the accepted substitutes for item 15 on page 12.
And items 2, 4, 6, 9,
and 10 on page 13 by the same roll call vote as was applied
to determine quorum order woman mana howorth.
So moves hearing no objection.
So ordered now we will return to page one
of the agenda and we will, uh, there he is.
And we will return to page one of the agenda.
Item one on page one is a municipal code amendment
sponsored by myself.
Oh, 2025 dash 0 0 1 7 5 5 2.
An amendment of municipal code Title IX
by modifying traffic code definitions, clarifying the start
and end points of bus stop zones
and clarifying the elements of offenses related to parking
and standing in bus and bike lanes.
I introduced this ordinance
because the Department of Transportation
and the Department of Finance raised
that they were encountering some issues with the enforcement
and adjudication of violations issued under the
Smart Streets pilot program.
I will pass to Chris Cobb from the Department of Law
to fully explain the ordinance as well
as the substitute ordinance that we emailed
and distributed today.
And also noting Alderman Lamont Robinson present for quorum.
Good to have you, sir. Mr. Cobb.
Good afternoon chairman and members
of the Committee on Pedestrian Traffic Safety.
I'm Christopher Kolb. I'm an Assistant Corporation counsel
with the City of Chicago's Department of Law.
Uh, you might want to tap, tap the bottom there.
Hello? Oh, there We you go.
Um, to reintroduce myself, I'm Christopher Kolb.
I'm Assistant Corporation Counsel
with the city's Department of Law.
Uh, thank you for giving me the opportunity
to explain the proposed amendments to the traffic code.
As the chair alluded to, uh, the Department of Finance,
the Department of Transportation, department of Law
and Committee staff have discussed ways to improve bus
and bike lane enforcement
and adjudication under the Smart Streets program.
As we were doing so, we also identified portions
of the traffic code
that have not been updated in several years
and could, uh, use with some modern modernization.
Uh, and to be clear
that these proposed changes clarify existing laws.
They do not, uh, create new offenses or new penalties.
They're just closing loopholes.
To briefly run through the changes,
we have one eliminated definitions that are no longer used.
So those are the strikethroughs.
You'll see on page one of the substitute. Oh,
Chris, may we pause just for the quickest moment?
Yeah, because I forgot to say,
and I, I would ask them to join you.
At the front we have managing Deputy Commissioner VE
Krishnamurthy from the Department of Transportation
and Deputy Director of Citation administration,
John Paul Al,
and program director for the Citation Administration
Division to make Purnell from the Department
of Finance present for any questions if
you would join at the front.
Thank you so much. Um, would you continue, Chris?
Yes. Uh, so as I was saying,
we have eliminated definitions that are no longer used.
We've removed duplicative sections of the code
and we've also updated the cross references in the code
to the appropriate sections.
We have clarified existing laws regarding the distinction
between standing and parking
and conform the relevant language to the language
that's in the state law, the Illinois vehicle code.
We have also clarified the existing law to clearly the areas
in front of bus stops where it's unlawful
to standard or park a vehicle.
Finally, we have also clarified, uh, the existing law
regarding enforcement
of the rush hour bus lanes on Chicago Avenue,
specifically under the Smart Streets program.
So I'm happy to go through any of those changes, uh,
or any particular section in further detail.
Uh, but given that these are fairly technical
and legalistic amendments, I'll defer to the chair members
of the committee, uh, regarding any questions you may have,
uh, on this or any other aspect of, of the traffic code.
Thank you. Chris. I, I may pause
before questions for one moment
because we have Chairman Irvin with us online.
May I request a motion to allow Alderman Irvin
to participate remotely via Rule 59?
Uh, uh, who's new?
Uh, I will give that one to Alderman Lamont Robinson.
So moves all those in favor say aye.
All those will say nay in the opinion of the chair.
The ayes have it. Thank you so much, much
for joining us today, chairman Irvin, uh,
I again, thank you.
Very welcome. Um,
any questions, comments?
Yes, Ottman Laws.
Thank you, chair. Um, I'm just looking at some
of the language here and, uh, on page three, uh,
at the top b it talks about, um, where the zones extend.
I think that's clarity is good,
but it also mentioned that, uh, paragraphs should not apply
to a vehicle engaged in the expeditious loading
or unloading of passengers when such loading or loading.
Does that interfere with any bus, taxi cab waiting
to enter or about such zone?
Then if you go to the bottom of page four,
the rules are different in the pilot zone where it says,
right, it should be unlawful
for a vehicle other than un authorized bus
or vehicle serving a, a bus
or a vehicle making a right hand turn
or accessing a driveway.
Can you, uh, restate the second? Uh, sure.
So, I'm sorry, the second one is on page four.
Um, section 11, uh, bullet one
where we ta we say that in the pilot zone,
nobody can be using the bus stop.
Yeah. So, uh, this is an important clarification.
So one is bus lanes, which is Oh, okay.
The demarcated, um, separated lane, uh,
where only buses are allowed to, uh, use it whatsoever.
Okay. And the other is the bus stop, which is, um, you know,
the demarcated area where there may
or may not be an actual stop or stand,
but it's where the bus, uh, picks up
and drops off passengers.
Got it. Got it. Do we have a definition
of expeditious loading or unloading?
We do not, but uh, you know, under common law, uh,
courts have interpreted that, uh, to me.
And what I would say is like the cloak wheel understanding,
which is actively in the process of doing so
and not delaying, um, while loading and unloading, because
I think this is probably something that's not unique
to my ward where, you know, I've got a great, uh,
bagel place that half
of more than half the food is going out the door.
It's in front of a bus stop
and there's always a couple cars there.
Um, now they may, they're just popping in, right?
They're, they're popping in to grab it and leaving,
but if it's not ready, they stay.
And if there's two in one of bus cubs, then
of course it's right back into the street
and we back things up.
So I know I, I wanna be part of the pilot really bad too.
That's the other thing. I think lakeview's a great
extension, um,
because it's a lot of those things
that they don't get a ticket for, right?
And they're having a hot hearing next door and, and,
and it's that same group of drivers who are just popping in
and out and they know they can do it
'cause they won't get a ticket.
So maybe, maybe in 2.0 here we talk about that, um, as to
what actually defines expeditious.
'cause I think, um, in a bus lane anywhere it,
it could be fine or it could cause a huge headache.
And most of the time nobody's looking
to see if a bus is coming anyway, you know?
Um, so thank you for that.
Those are the only questions I had chair.
If I could just add one clarification.
So the, that exception,
which says the paragraph shall not apply,
is not mandated by state law.
So it is up to the city council if they want
to remove the exception at some point in the future.
Uh, noting also Alderman Hopkins here with us
for the purpose of quorum.
Could have you, sir, uh,
further questions comes.
No, I'm good. Uh, but let's keep talking. Thank you.
I mean, I feel like it actually did make
for a very good segue noting how like there's a lot
of legalese and technical language in here.
If somebody could give a practical example of the kinds of,
um, violations
or potential violations
that we were seeing within the pilot area
and how, how
that behavior would differently be addressed
with the ordinance that's in front of us,
I'm happy to take a first stab at it.
Um, and JP might have more information regarding, uh,
how these are enforced in practice.
But I think one of the things that we're seeing in one
of the loopholes we're trying to address
is delivery vehicles.
And by that I mean vehicles that are delivering, uh,
merchandise or products are, um, standing
or parking in these, uh, bus and bike lanes.
And they are, uh, arguing and having tickets dismissed that
because they are not able to, um,
uh, move their vehicle while they're in the process
of loading and unloading that they're not in violation
of a prohibition, uh, in the bus and bike lanes.
So we are modifying the definition of standing
to actually align with the state code, which is also, uh,
the uniform traffic code, uh, to eliminate that,
that exception for, uh, being on,
in or near your vehicle.
Um, and we're hoping that that will
eliminate those ticket dismissals, uh, for, uh,
delivery driver specifically.
But JP might have some more information regarding, uh,
the Inpractice applications.
Yes, good afternoon. Um, John Paul, JP Hael, um,
department of Finance, deputy director,
citation Administration division.
Um, we do see a lot of, as, um,
Chris mentioned delivery trucks.
We also have, um, ride share vehicles that are dropping off,
picking up passengers
where there's a bus lane and a bike lane.
Um, delivery drivers, people
who are dropping off their family members or friends.
Um, we do in, in the violations that we are seeing events,
they're not violations yet.
Um, the cars are just parked in the bus lane.
You don't see anyone coming in or coming out.
There's no people around.
The driver is wiping down the vehicle cleaning.
Um, those are some of exam, some of the examples
that I can think of.
Appreciate it. Thank you, sir.
Um, did we have any other questions, comments? Yes.
Alderman Hopkins.
Yeah, I'm glad we're having this conversation.
And, uh, one area
of my ward in particular is a real problem.
Uh, well street, uh, roughly
between division and North Avenue.
Uh, we've been trying to get the attention
of the delivery drivers for quite a while now.
We now have their attention.
It's been a, you know, aggressive targeted enforcement.
Uh, and they've basically said to us, we surrender.
We won't block the bike lane anymore. Where do we go?
I don't have an answer for 'em.
You know, that's the next phase in this campaign.
We've got all these restaurants and, and bars.
Uh, they need to get deliveries
and they simply have no alternative location, right?
So what do we do if they can't block the bike lane anymore?
Where can they go to deliver their products?
Um, we have to have that conversation
and, uh, it's time, you know,
we've got their attention, they're at the table.
Uh, so let's solve this problem.
And, uh, it's a, it's a tough one, but, um, it, we are.
So, uh, do you have any thoughts on that
or any, uh, any response to that?
And is there any place else that comes to mind?
Uh, similar to well Street,
which is a fairly extreme example.
You know, it's a narrow street.
It's a highly trafficked corridor, a lot of trucks, a lot
of cars, and a lot of bikes.
And they're all competing for the same piece of real estate,
and they're all entitled to the same piece of real estate.
Um, so the entire debate that we're having here,
I would argue is crystallized in that, you know,
two block stretch of wells, the 1300
and the 1400, uh, block in particular.
So what are your, uh, your thoughts on this?
I'll say that, uh, as a member of the department of law,
I do not have great urban planning or,
or street design experience,
but we are happy to work with your office in, um,
drafting potential solutions to this.
And not to put anyone on the spot,
but I defer to my, uh, colleagues in other departments.
Um, I believe we do offer loading zones.
Um, the, the restaurants, the businesses could,
um, request for loading zones near their businesses.
Um, that would be one option.
Trying to think of maybe other side streets, but,
but I think the loading zone option would be best.
I I think that circumstance has presented a opportunity
for you to carry on this conversation offline
because we are in fact offline.
Our, our zoom is currently down on the clerk site
because we need to, so we need to take a brief recess.
We'll rejoin as soon as they give us the go ahead.
Thank you.
That's a very good question though.
The car
be reason find
even after my brothers all already.
Bye.
Yeah. F**k.
We are returning from recess.
Returning to the final item on our agenda,
which was O 2025 dash
1 7 5 5 2.
Um, wanted check if we have any further
questions or comments from committee members.
Uh, with that said, may I have a motion
to accept the substitute for this ordinance?
Alderman Lawson. So moves,
hearing no objections, so ordered.
And can I have a motion to recommend approval
of this substitute ordinance s So 2025
dash 0 1 7 5 5 2 by the same roll call vote as was applied
to determine quorum.
Alderman Lawson also also moves,
hearing no objections so ordered.
We will report these items out at the next regularly
scheduled city council meeting.
Where there being no further business
before the committee may have a motion
to adjourn Altman Curtis.
So moves. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
We are adjourned. Thank you all.