How can Chicago’s mayor make bike safety a priority?

cyclist in protected bike lane — A person rides their bike in a protected bike lane along Augusta Blvd. on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2023 in Ukrainian Village in Chicago. Bike safety advocates are calling on city officials to install more protected bike lanes like this one, which features a concrete barrier to separate cyclists from vehicles. Protected bike lanes comprise less than 10% of Chicago’s 433 miles of biking infrastructure.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons

Advocates hope cycling safety is prioritized in upcoming city budget

Mayor Brandon Johnson has yet to tap a commissioner to lead the Chicago Department of Transportation.

A person rides their bike in a protected bike lane along Augusta Blvd. on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2023 in Ukrainian Village in Chicago. Bike safety advocates are calling on city officials to install more protected bike lanes like this one, which features a concrete barrier to separate cyclists from vehicles. Protected bike lanes comprise less than 10% of Chicago’s 433 miles of biking infrastructure.

Owen Ziliak

By Landon Jones

Year after year, Chicago has consistently ranked among the worst big cities in the world for bike safety. In March, the Chicago Department of Transportation released the Chicago Cycling Strategy, a report outlining the city’s plan to improve its cycling infrastructure.

Reset speaks with cyclists and advocate groups about their response to the strategy and learns about ways to promote and improve safety for cyclists.

GUESTS: Kyle Lucas, co-founder Better Streets Chicago

Jim Merrell, managing director of advocacy at Active Transportation Alliance

Dave Simmons, executive director of Ride Illinois

Colin Cameron, personal injury attorney, Chicago Bike Law Firm

Benjamin O’Malley, cyclist