Below are resources on various pedestrian and traffic safety initiatives. Additional information can be found on the Department of Transportation’s website.

+ Talking Points for Safe Streets & Vision Zero

Ward offices can find general information, talking points, and sharable material on safe streets, cycling, and pedestrian safety on the following websites:

+ Additional Funding for Safe Streets

The main source of funding for infrastructure improvements within wards is the Aldermanic Menu Money program. Alderman are granted $1.5 million per fiscal year to spend on improvements including road repaving, fixing sidewalks, building green alleys and more. Alderman have the option to spend this funding on traffic calming infrastructure, bike lanes, and other permenant infrastructure to improve pedestrian safety and active transportation. However, wards may not always be able to include all the pedestrian improvements they would like to given limited menu money. Other sources of funding that ward office can explore when considering safety improvements to their streets, roads and sidewalks include:

  • Cook County Commissioners: Ward offices should reach out to their Commissioner’s office to propose safe streets projects that could potentially be funded by the county. You can find your commissioner here.
  • State of Illinois: The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering (BSPE) offers grant opportunities for funding to state and local agencies and qualified organizations. Due to the size, population, and high traffic volume on Illinois roadways, BSPE partners with state and local agencies and qualified organizations to make this goal a reality. Ward offices are encouraged to review grant opportunities and coordinate with their state senators and representatives to pursue grant opportunities.

+ Information on Chicago's Bike Plan

Check out the future of cycling in Chicago in the 2023 Chicago Cycling Strategy. This plan was published in Spring 2023 by the Chicago Department of Transportation, and outlines a community-driven approach to expanding Chicago’s bike network and creating a more equitable, safe, and inviting city for cycling.

A variety of cycling resources are also available on Chicago’s Complete Streets website. This includes: an interactive map of the city’s existing bike network and resource guides to share with ward residents on how to be a conscientious driver around cyclists, and bike maintenance and theft prevention for cyclists.

For information on bike parking wards can direct residents to Chicago’s Bike Parking Map & Request portal. CDOT also maintains a website with updated information on it’s Bike Network, including: active projects and additional projects supporting biking.

+ Request a SAFE Ambassador

Since 2001, the Chicago Department of Transportation has promoted safe cycling and walking through Chicago’s SAFE Ambassadors. SAFE stands for Streets Are For Everybody, and the Ambassadors’ goals are encouraging and educating cyclists and pedestrians, reducing traffic crashes by working with all road users, and making Chicago a safer place for active transportation. SAFE Ambassadors travel all over the city educating people of all ages and backgrounds about pedestrian and bicycling safety. Ambassadors are also available to put on presentations at schools when coordinated with local school administrators and LSC’s. Ward offices can request SAFE Ambassadors at community events in the ward by filling out this request form.

+ Traffic Studies

One of the main tools available for Alderman to study problematic intersections in their ward is to request a traffic study from CDOT. Traffic Studies must be requested by Aldermanic offices in order for CDOT to conduct a review of traffic operations on problematic streets and intersections.

To download a traffic study request form, please click here. If you have questions about how to fill out and/or submit a traffic study please contact the ward menu liaison, or our committee team at (312) 744-3063 / committeeonpedestrianandtrafficsafety@cityofchicago.org.

Information on previous traffic studies requested by wards can be found on the Aldermanic 311 system by searching ‘traffic studies’.

This page is maintained by the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety staff.