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Ald. Vasquez discusses next steps for passing 25 mph law, and supports bringing back income-based fine discount, 10 mph ticketing threshold
Read the second half of this interview, including additional discussion of the 25 mph speed limit effort, the looming transit fiscal cliff, bikeways, and more here.
March 28, 2025
Majority of alders voted against 25 mph speed limit today, which means more Chicagoans will be seriously injured and die in crashes
There was bad news for safer streets in Chicago today as a proposed ordinance to lower the city's default speed limit from 30 to 25 mph was defeated in the City Council by a vote of 28 to 21. Data from other cities indicates this measure would have greatly reduced the number of serious and fatal traffic crashes.
February 19, 2025
Advocates from peer cities that have lowered their speed limits, with impressive results, offer encouragement to Chicago
Last month, the Chicago City Council's Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety passed an ordinance to lower our default speed limit from 30 to 25 mph. There will likely be a final Council vote later this year, and if the legislation is approved, the new rule would go into effect by New Year's Day 2026.
November 18, 2024
Rochelle Jackson on why the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council supports lowering the city’s default speed limit to 25 mph
(This post includes reporting by Cameron Bolton, with additional commentary by John Greenfield.)
November 7, 2024
Breaking: Twice-failed, non-Chicagoan, “more of a Republican than a Democrat” mayoral candidate says he can’t drive 25
In his 43rd Tribune op-ed since he lost the 2023 Chicago mayoral runoff election, perennial Illinois and Chicago candidate Paul Vallas rails against lowering the speed limit to save lives.
October 23, 2024
They can drive 25: At committee meeting residents, panelists support lowering Chicago’s default speed limit
While there's no ordinance yet, the next steps are to draft one, take a committee vote and, if it passes, put it before the full City Council.
May 2, 2024
Equiticity and ATA: Passing a 25 mph speed limit should be combined with street redesigns that calm traffic
Equiticity, a mobility justice nonprofit, says the new speed limit shouldn't involve increased enforcement, which it says would disproportionately impact drivers of color
April 29, 2024
