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.
Read the full story: Delivery Robots Take Over Chicago Sidewalks, Sparking Debate And A Petition To Hit ‘Pause’
West Hollywood makes delivery robots paying road users
Cities are looking for creative ways to regulate food delivery robots, in some cases putting them to work gathering data for ADA compliance or collecting revenue for sidewalk maintenance.
Opinion: Delivery Robots Need Regulation Now
Ride-hailing and scooter companies blindsided cities. They shouldn’t let delivery robots do the same.
Chicago Residents Sue City Over Inaccessible Sidewalks
The suit alleges the city has failed to create a “coordinated, proactive system” for complying with ADA and ensuring accessibility on the city’s sidewalks and crosswalks.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority