Residents have reported that the food delivery bots have forced people off sidewalks into busy streets and collided with bicyclists.
A growing number of food delivery robots are using Chicago sidewalks to transport their merchandise, sparking outrage among some residents who say that “Chicago sidewalks are for people, not delivery robots.”
As Alec Karam explains in Block Club Chicago, a petition started by a Lincoln Park resident is asking the city to release safety and accessibility information on the robots and to set clear rules on how they can use public right-of-way. The bots’ critics say they have pushed people off of sidewalks, collided with bicyclists, and deterred emergency vehicles.
City officials are taking note, too. “The offices of Alds. Angela Clay (46th) and Bennett Lawson (44th) have sent out surveys to neighbors in their respective wards asking them to describe their experiences and concerns with the bots and whether they support or oppose their presence.” One resident expressed concerns about letting corporations use sidewalks and public space.
The robots are permitted as part of a pilot program launched in 2022.
Earlier this year, DoorDash floated plans to deploy larger delivery robots in bike lanes, prompting concerns from bike advocates that they will compete with people on bikes for scarce right-of-way.
FULL STORY: Delivery Robots Take Over Chicago Sidewalks, Sparking Debate And A Petition To Hit ‘Pause’
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Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
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Journal of the American Planning Association