Chicago Advances Smart Streets, Complete Streets Ordinances

Two proposed laws would enhance road safety for bicyclists and pedestrians and improve the city’s multimodal infrastructure.

1 minute read

March 8, 2023, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Two Chicago road safety ordinances passed the city’s Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety last Friday, reports Alex V. Hernandez in Block Club Chicago.

If passed by the full council on March 15, “The Smart Streets Pilot Program ordinance would use cameras on city vehicles and other infrastructure to identify drivers parked illegally in bike lanes, bus lanes and loading zones, and mail them a ticket.” 

The second ordinance, a Complete Streets initiative, would require Chicago DOT to include bike and pedestrian infrastructure in road improvement projects and standardize guidelines for bike, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure.

An article in Streetsblog Chicago by John Greenfield adds that “As with [the city’s] traffic cams, there will be a human review and judgment of each camera image, and tickets will be mailed to the registered vehicle owned in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Finance, with the fines based on the existing municipal code.” The city promises to install “clear signage” and provide a 30-day warning period before ticketing goes into effect, and CDOT has hired a new staff member “focused on community outreach who would collaborate with aldermen on education of the new law.”

Monday, March 6, 2023 in Block Club Chicago

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Yellow single-seat Japanese electric vehicle drivign down road.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs

The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

June 6, 2025 - PC Magazine

White Waymo autonomous car driving fast down city street with blurred background at night.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars

Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

June 16 - Smart Cities Dive

Two small wooden one-story homes in Florida with floodwaters at their doors.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?

With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

June 16 - Governing

People riding bicycles on separated bike trail.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike

For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.

June 16 - UNM News