# Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety meeting, October 21, 2024

- When: Mon, Oct 21, 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](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/pedestrian-and-traffic-safety)
- Video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1020356300
- Transcript: [full text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/1020356300.txt) (18,412 words, automatic 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 considered three Vision Zero items after hearing 13 public commenters, most of whom supported them. The committee recommended a substitute resolution creating an interagency working group on speed enforcement and fines and fees reform, after a motion by Alderperson David H. Moore to add the elimination of speed cameras to its purview failed on a roll call read as 10 no and 3 yes. Members debated the ordinance lowering the citywide default speed limit from 30 to 25 miles per hour, with some asking that it be held; a motion to table failed 11 to 2 and the ordinance was recommended for passage 8 to 5, with the chair saying it would not go to the full council the next day. The committee also recommended a substitute ordinance creating a one-year pilot for residents to report bike and bus lane blockages, with Alderperson Jason C. Ervin recorded as a no, re-referred a misreferred item, and approved the routine traffic ordinances.

Topics: Vision Zero, speed limit reduction, speed cameras, fines and fees reform, bike and bus lane enforcement, resident reporting pilot, traffic fatalities

### Agenda items discussed

- [8:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=514) Public comment: discussed
- [44:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=2642) Resolution establishing an interagency working group to assess speed limit enforcement and fines and fees practices (substitute): passed
- [51:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=3062) Motion by Alderperson David H. Moore to amend the working group resolution to add elimination of speed cameras: failed
- [1:03:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=3831) Ordinance lowering the citywide default speed limit from 30 to 25 miles per hour: passed
- [1:40:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=6049) Motion to table the speed limit ordinance: failed
- [1:44:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=6240) Ordinance establishing a resident-based reporting pilot for bike and bus lane violations (substitute): passed
- [2:00:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=7259) Re-referral of a misreferred ordinance to the Committee on License and Consumer Protection: passed
- [2:01:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=7275) Routine direct introduction, recommended, and no-recommendation traffic ordinances: passed

### Alderpersons who spoke

- [Daniel La Spata](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/1) (chair): Said Vision Zero aims for zero traffic deaths and noted 136 people were killed in crashes in 2023. ([41:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=2509)); Said the working group would address disproportionate fines on Black, Latino and low-income residents and that the goal is changing behavior, not raising revenue. ([44:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=2659)); Noted municipal code requires speed camera proceeds be kept in a separate account, though revenue currently goes to the corporate fund. ([47:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=2829))
- [David H. Moore](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/17) (alderperson): Said speed camera tickets burden families of all backgrounds and that drivers slow only at cameras. ([48:47](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=2927)); Moved to amend the resolution to add eliminating speed cameras. ([50:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=3042)); Disputed that the state controls the city's use of speed cameras, citing home rule. ([51:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=3089))
- [Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/48) (alderperson): Said residents in her Edgewater ward want traffic to slow near schools and that infrastructure is one way to do it. ([52:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=3138))
- [Derrick G. Curtis](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/18) (alderperson): Said he once felt as Moore did about speed cameras but now wants one on Southwest Highway, a wide arterial with frequent crashes and no school or park. ([53:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=3189)); Said a one-size-fits-all limit will not work in every ward and asked whether CDOT could set limits by street type. ([1:21:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=4901))
- [Marty Quinn](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/13) (alderperson): Suggested exploring mobile speed cameras that can be placed near schools and parks in response to community concerns. ([59:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=3599)); Asked why the reporting pilot is limited to bike and bus lanes, citing illegal parking in disabled spaces near Midway. ([1:53:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=6787))
- [Matthew J. Martin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/47) (alderperson): Asked whether the city currently uses mobile speed camera technology. ([1:01:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=3701))
- [Desmon C. Yancy](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/5) (alderperson): Asked how to get traffic calming on state-controlled South Shore Drive and Lake Shore Drive near a hospital where drivers run lights. ([1:01:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=3716))
- [Jason C. Ervin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/28) (alderperson): Asked why the ordinance was being passed out of committee if it would not go to the full council soon, and suggested holding it. ([1:09:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=4192)); Asked how citation numbers changed in other cities after limits were lowered. ([1:10:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=4248)); Said post-pandemic driving behavior differs and studies from other cities may not apply, citing Madison Street in his ward. ([1:12:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=4339))
- [Brian Hopkins](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/2) (alderperson): Said driver education can build buy-in and that he served on the Vision Zero task force and supports the goal. ([1:30:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=5435)); Said most Chicagoans rely on cars and their buy-in is needed, and that this ordinance is not the way to get it. ([1:31:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=5497)); Said he supports speed cameras but opposed lowering their enforcement threshold because residents saw it as overly punitive. ([1:31:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=5505))
- [Ruth Cruz](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/30) (alderperson): Said speeding near schools and parks affects her ward and residents have responded positively to lowering the limit. ([1:34:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=5669)); Said 25 mph is a realistic level and she fully supports the ordinance. ([1:35:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=5759))
- [Michael D. Rodriguez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/22) (alderperson): Said the city is behind other cities and the change should not be delayed, noting his ward's use of funds for traffic calming. ([1:36:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=5818))
- [Bennett R. Lawson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/44) (alderperson): Suggested crosswalks could be added later and asked about the pilot's timeline and processing time. ([1:55:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=6932)); Said CDOT should consult more on bike lane placement so the pilot does not become an easy way to target drivers, while supporting the pilot. ([1:59:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=7165))

### Exchanges between members

- [53:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=3195) Curtis said he once felt the same as Moore about speed cameras but now seeks one for his ward.
- [57:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=3473) The chair clarified Moore's motion and said he would vote no on it.
- [1:00:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=3602) Quinn referenced a prior conversation with the chair about mobile speed cameras.
- [1:01:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=3671) The chair called Quinn's mobile camera idea a great point worth exploring.
- [1:02:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=3774) The chair answered Yancy that the committee is seeking a hearing with IDOT on state roads.
- [1:07:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=4057) The chair answered Moore's question about ticketing in other cities.
- [1:09:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=4192) Ervin asked the chair why the ordinance was moving out of committee if not going to council right away.
- [1:14:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=4441) The chair responded to Ervin with crash data for the 28th Ward.
- [1:14:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=4455) Ervin objected to the chair's use of the term traffic violence.
- [1:18:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=4704) Ervin joined Moore's suggestion to hold the ordinance.
- [1:22:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=4921) Curtis said he agreed with Ervin that one size does not fit all wards.
- [1:22:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=4944) Curtis supported holding the ordinance as Moore suggested.
- [1:23:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=5006) The chair explained to Curtis that lower posted limits can remain on individual streets.
- [1:32:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=5520) Hopkins cited Moore's account of constituent opposition to speed cameras.
- [1:33:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=5591) Hopkins told the chair the ordinance is not ready and he would vote no.
- [1:33:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=5619) The chair responded to Hopkins that the committee has met with residents across the city.
- [1:34:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=5663) Cruz thanked the chair for his work on the ordinance.
- [1:36:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=5806) Rodriguez commended the chair for his long work on the issue.
- [1:53:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=6824) The chair explained to Quinn why the pilot is limited to bike and bus lanes.
- [1:56:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB?t=6963) The chair answered Lawson's question about the pilot timeline.

## Documents

- [Other](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/1473d036-866d-4262-bfe2-0445f207da89.pdf)
- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/f4a9d64d-0fec-416f-bcd0-2f0125c28a2e.pdf)
- [Agenda](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/f18d10c0-63a9-4d46-82df-1b1519f627b3.pdf)
- [Summary](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/cfb356ec-69a8-43ce-8371-58ec539e9104.pdf)
- [Summary](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/fccccd68-4b21-4369-ac67-c8e889de84ee.pdf)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/CC6D6297-9282-EF11-AC21-001DD804C7AB · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt