Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety meeting, February 6, 2024
- When: Tue, Feb 6, 2024, 10:00 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928552/video/910170369
- Transcript: full text (14,623 words, official captions)
Meeting notes
AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.
The Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety heard public comment, limited to two minutes per speaker, on school-area traffic safety in Little Village, Gage Park and along the boulevards, the planned Chicago Avenue and Halsted intersection redesign, bus and bike lanes, and migrant-related concerns. The committee approved the January Rule 45 report and, by the same roll call used to establish quorum, recommended passage of direct introduction ordinances, department-recommended ordinances on pages 3 through 5, and ordinances on pages 6 through 13 without departmental recommendation. CDOT then presented its updated Complete Streets guidelines under the 2023 ordinance, describing core, enhanced and network design elements and 2023 results. Members asked about equity in project selection, sidewalks and ADA ramps, the downtown bike and bus lane camera enforcement pilot, community engagement on streetscapes, loading zones, and coordination with the CTA; no vote was taken on the presentation.
Topics: Complete Streets guidelines, school traffic safety, bus lanes, bike lanes, ADA ramps and sidewalks, automated enforcement pilot, loading zones, CTA coordination, capital improvement funding, public comment
Agenda items discussed
- 19:24 Public comment
- 51:39 January Rule 45 report: passed
- 52:12 Direct introduction ordinances on page 2: passed
- 52:27 Recommended ordinances on pages 3 through 5: passed
- 52:51 Ordinances on pages 6 through 13 without departmental recommendation: passed
- 53:33 Subject matter hearing on CDOT Complete Streets guidelines under section 10-14 of the Municipal Code: discussed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Daniel La Spata (chair): Clarified that the two-minute speaking limit includes translation and asked Spanish speakers to leave time for interpretation. (26:28); Thanked CDOT, saying complete streets work has made intersections he and his family use daily safer and that it matters because it works. (1:09:06); Asked what questions aldermen should ask when making ward menu decisions to apply these design elements. (1:33:33)
- Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Credited CDOT's response after a pedestrian fatality on Broadway but said changes should not wait for a fatality, especially around schools. (1:10:30); Asked how equity is built into the process, citing areas on the South and West sides without sidewalks. (1:11:24); Asked how sidewalks fit into the guidelines, noting seniors and people using assistive devices in her ward. (1:15:27)
- Peter Chico (alderperson): Asked CDOT to explain the community engagement process for the Commercial Avenue streetscape, which predated his term. (1:24:06); Said he wanted context on how the process played out because some businesses said they were caught off guard. (1:27:21)
- Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Said vehicles loading in crosswalks and bike lanes are a safety problem and urged a universal approach to loading zones on commercial and residential streets. (1:28:00)
- Matthew J. Martin (alderperson): Thanked the commissioner for working with him on the ordinance and urged closer coordination with the CTA so design choices anticipate future transit improvements. (1:29:45); Praised bike and pedestrian work on Clark Street north of Irving Park and said he looks forward to it continuing. (1:32:45)
Exchanges between members
- 1:23:42 The chair thanked Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth after her questions.
- 1:27:51 The chair thanked Alderperson Peter Chico and recognized Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson.
- 1:28:03 Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson referred to a colleague's earlier point about vehicles blocking bike lanes in raising loading zones.
- 1:30:33 Alderperson Matthew J. Martin said he agreed with Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson point about loading zones.
- 1:33:18 Alderperson Matthew J. Martin thanked the chair.