Road to the Bike Plan Stop 2: Chicago
As Los Angeles moves forward with it's own Master plan, Chicago's provides a useful blueprint. It shows that a Master Plan is more than just engineering, it's about creating a city where biking is safe, pleasant and affordable.
12:01 PM PST on February 12, 2008
Nice, It’s Even Cubs’ BlueChicago made news last week when it’s #1 bicyclist, Mayor Richard Daley, introduced ordinances that would increase fines for reckless drivers who injure cyclists. The Chicago Sun-Times notes that “It’s designed to reduce the number of crashes involving bikes and motor vehicles. There were 6,000 such crashes in Chicago between 2001 and 2005, killing 30 cyclists.” For a quick comparison, there were more than 100 bike deaths in Los Angeles over the same period.
The Chicago bicycle federation quickly got behind the plan and wrote on its blog the details:
Specific provisions of the ordinance define three feet as the minimum safe distance to pass a bicyclist, prohibit opening a vehicle door into moving traffic, increase the fines for parking in bike lanes or marked shared lanes, clarify that left-turning motorists yield to oncoming bicyclists and prohibit motorists from turning right in front of a bicyclist.Violation of the proposed rules will result in a minimum fine of $150 and no less than $500 when the violation results in a bicycle crash. The proposed ordinance will make it easier for police to issue tickets, and for prosecutors to bring charges when motorists hit bicyclists.
Better enforcement of bike safety laws is a key part of the city’s “Bike 2015” Master Plan, which aims to “make bicycling an integral part of Chicago’s daily life.” The plan is divided into eight sections, each with a specific goal:
-
Bikeway Network – Establish a bikeway network that serves all Chicago residents and neighborhoods.
-
Bicycle-friendly Streets – Make all of Chicago’s streets safe and convenient for bicycling.
-
Bike Parking – Provide convenient and secure short-term and long-term bike parking throughout Chicago.
-
Transit – Provide convenient connections between bicycling and public transit.
-
Education – Educate bicyclists, motorists, and the general public about bicycle safety and the benefits of bicycling.
-
Marketing and Health Promotion – Increase bicycle use through targeted marketing and health promotion.
-
Law Enforcement and Crash Analysis – Increase bicyclist safety through effective law enforcement and detailed crash analysis.
-
Bicycle Messengers – Expand the use of bicycle messengers; improve their workplace safety and public image.
As Los Angeles moves forward with it’s own Master plan, Chicago’s provides a useful blueprint. It shows that a Master Plan is more than just engineering, it’s about creating a city where biking is safe, pleasant and affordable.
Image from bike2015plan.org
More from Streetsblog Los Angeles
Monday’s Headlines
Metro computer hack, K Line, Culver City, CicLAvia, Pico Union, speed cameras, restrooms, car-nage, and more
April 6, 2026
Friday’s Headlines
Is Virgil/Hollywood/Sunset the worst intersection in L.A.? A very unscientific and contentious bracket run by Americana At Brand Memes says yes.
April 3, 2026
Pasadena Moves Closer to Adopting 710 Stub Vision Plan
City Council shared concepts for rebuilding the community razed in the 1970s, and seemed keen on making restitution to the victims of freeway displacement.
April 2, 2026
Thursday’s Headlines
N. Spring Street, Sankofa Park, speed cameras, SM Airport site, Culver City, car-nage, and more
April 2, 2026
New Bike Lanes and Bus Lanes Underway in Culver City and Santa Monica
New protected bike lanes under construction on Colorado and Broadway in Santa Monica, and on Washington and Adams in Culver City, which is also adding shared bus-bike lanes on Washington
April 1, 2026
Comments Are Temporarily Disabled
Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.
Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.