Over 300 people showed up in Chicago on Sunday, June 12 to remember Rafi & Lily, two toddlers who were recently lost to traffic violence.
We heard from advocates, families of the victims and elected officials demanding change.
A few hours later, Peter Paquette was tragically struck and killed by a driver while walking in a crosswalk – less than a mile away. Four days later, an 11 year old was struck and killed while crossing 16th street in North Lawndale, marking the loss of a third child to traffic violence within two weeks.
With more people speaking out, we have arrived at a turning point for traffic safety. Still, many more voices are needed.
Please join us in demanding immediate action from your alderperson, the mayor and leaders at CDOT to ensure we prioritize traffic safety and take bold steps to protect our city’s most valuable asset – our people.
Chicago's leaders have the ability to prevent further loss of life on our streets and must take that responsibility seriously. This includes:
Prioritizing pedestrian and bike safety over parking by implementing expert-recommended, gold-standard road designs including:
Adding concrete curb extensions, bump outs, and traffic diverters on neighborhood greenways and other residential streets to slow down cars and limit/block truck traffic
Planning and building a citywide network of connected and concrete protected bike lanes on major corridors as well as a citywide network of dedicated bus lanes and bus rapid transit
Requiring all large trucks to be outfitted with side guards – not just city contractors.
Addressing Chicago’s illegal parking crisis through radical street design.
It’s time for the city and Chicago Department of Transportation to stop forcing communities to beg for safety measures after every tragedy. The city can and should build safe infrastructure to prevent further loss of our friends, family, and loved ones.
A better future is possible – and Chicago's leaders must act now. Join Active Transportation Alliance, Better Streets Chicago, and Chicago Family Biking by taking action now!
We are asking for all Chicagoans to take action too.
Commit to Safe Streets - Leave 10 minutes early when driving so you don’t feel rushed and make unsafe driving choices or treat neighborhoods like shortcuts.
Pause your own agenda when you drive near people walking, rolling, or biking and give them a few moments to make sure they are safe.
If you don’t shout “Yes” you’re saying “No”. City leaders need to know you want safer streets too. You must call your representatives and work with your neighbors to show up in support of these transformational projects that will save lives.
It’s time for the City and Chicago Department of Transportation to stop forcing communities to beg for safety after every tragedy. The City can and should build safe infrastructure to prevent further loss of our friends, family, and loved ones.
A better future is possible – and Chicago must act now.
Lead Organizers
Chicago Family Biking
Better Streets Chicago
Supporting Organizations and Partners
Active Transportation Alliance
Women Bike Chicago
Keating Law Offices
Freeman Kevenides Law Firm
Ride Illinois
Ride of Silence
Mike Perrino (Segway Batman)