😬 Are Chicago bike lanes actually safe?

As Bike Lanes Grow, Safety Not Guaranteed

Riley O’Neil, a city transportation department worker who oversaw bike infrastructure and advocated for biker safety, was killed biking over the weekend. O’Neil was traveling in an unprotected but popular bike lane on Halsted in Bridgeport when he was launched into the street by a car door and hit by a semi-truck.

The tragedy comes at a time when there’s renewed focus — and debate — over bike lanes in Chicago.

A Battle in Brighton Park: An effort to make a two-mile stretch of Archer Avenue in Brighton Park more pedestrian- and biker-friendly has set off ongoing protests and counter-protests. Advocates in favor want to limit injuries and fatalities on the dangerous thoroughfare, while those against say local businesses will lose parking. A similar standoff is brewing on Grand Avenue in West Town.

• Why now? Brighton Park experiences 43% more traffic fatalities than other Chicago neighborhoods.
• Recently: The city modified a small section of the project's concrete bike lane barrier, re-adding parking spots. A pedestrian island is also getting relocated.
• Back in February: All the drama spurred a bike lane opponent to run for office. She hopes to oust Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th), who supports the project.

Big picture: One-hundred miles of bike lanes were added during the first two years of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration, with a push for more.

• In Total: Chicago has over 500 miles of bike lanes.
• However: The city plans to add less than 19 new miles this year, the majority of which will be unprotected. “It’s [the] most unproductive year since they started publishing info in 2021,” according to transit policy analyst Nik Hunder.

Bike Safety Overall: Though cycling has surged in Chicago since 2019, fatalities are down by 35%, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation, which cites safety upgrades. However, accidents persist.

• Last year: There were seven biking fatalities and over 800 injuries.
• So far: O’Neil is Chicago’s third biking fatality in 2026.
• Remembering O’Neil: Biking advocates planned a memorial ride, ending where O’Neil was killed on Halsted. His CDOT colleagues are also asking Chicagoans to refer to bike racks as “Riley racks” in his honor.

Expect (More) Red Line Delays — Plus Our Live Show!

On today’s podcast, we’re talking Red Line weekend reroutes — plus an ultimate summer guide, taped live at Switchyards in Logan Square, along with 77 Flavors’ Sara Faddah and Dario Durham. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

• Not gonna lie: It was a party! [City Cast Chicago 🤳]

Airbnbs Popping Up Near Obama Center

Licenses for short-term rentals have declined citywide but shot up by 46% in the 20th Ward. That includes much of Woodlawn, just west of the Obama Presidential Center. As renters say they’re being priced out, advocates say the city isn’t doing enough to protect the housing supply. [Sun-Times]

Where’s the Shotspotter Replacement?

It’s been almost two years since Mayor Brandon Johnson ended Chicago’s contract with ShotSpotter, a gunshot detector. Since then, he’s reviewed replacements — and even reconsidered the tech — but alders want to know what’s taking so long. [Block Club]

• Remember? Johnson ran on decommissioning ShotSpotter. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Alders’ Parking Meter Hopes

While private investment groups negotiate a sale of Chicago’s parking meters, alders are hoping the city could win back some leverage in the much-maligned deal. City Council has to approve the final sale, but a major change in terms would be a long shot. [Tribune 🔒]

• How did we get here? It all goes back to when the city needed some cash … [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Stacey King Dead at 59

Stacey King, an NBA champion who was a member of the ‘90s threepeat Bulls, died following a fall in his home. In addition to playing, King had a career as a popular Bulls broadcaster. [Yahoo Sports]