Chicago Pilot Would Keep Bike and Bus Lanes Clear — Without the Police

A Chicago pilot program would shift right-of-way enforcement duties from police to a ‘rapid response team’ that would be housed in the Department of Finance, reports John Greenfield in Streetsblog Chicago. 

As Greenfield explains, “As it stands, Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications sends all 911 calls about parking scofflaws to police dispatchers. Under a new pilot in these two CPD districts, the calls would instead go to Rapid Response Parking Enforcement Aides. They'd quickly be sent to the trouble spots to confirm the issue, and write a ticket if need-be.” In a Committee on Public Safety hearing, all the alderpersons and citizens who spoke favored the proposal, making it likely that it will be implemented. 

According to Greenfield, the policy would be beneficial to cyclists and other sustainable transportation users by ensuring that blocked bike lanes, bus lanes, and crosswalks are cleared more quickly and efficiently. “Not only would the new policy give officers more time to focus on addressing violent crime, but it would also help create safer, more efficient conditions for all road users by helping to prevent obstructions caused by illegal parking.”