Amid a nationwide rise in pedestrian fatalities, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is continuing her efforts to streamline and expedite key transportation safety solutions in Chicago.
“When a pedestrian fatality is studied, improved collaboration between government entities leads to solutions,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Pedestrian safety must be prioritized at every street and every intersection.”
In January 2023, IDOT entered into a Memorandum of Understanding agreement with the Chicago Department of Transportation in an effort to strengthen collaboration and streamline the review process for safety improvements on local streets and state routes. The MOU was in part sparked by a request from Feigenholtz that the departments conduct a traffic study after a pedestrian was killed in the 6th Senate District.
Senate Bill 1559 aims to formalize portions of the MOU by requiring that completed safety studies be on the agenda when IDOT and CDOT meet to discuss traffic and pedestrian fatalities.
“Making sure our transportation agencies are collaborating and taking concrete steps to study and prevent pedestrian deaths is of paramount importance,” said Feigenholtz. “Chicago residents need to feel safe at all intersections.”
“Active Transportation Alliance deeply appreciates the safe streets legislation the Senate is working on, including SB 1559. The crash fatality rate for pedestrians and cyclists has skyrocketed in Illinois, growing 47% between 2017 and 2024,” said Active Transportation Alliance Executive Director Amy Rynell. “If passed into law this measure will provide critical data and regular evaluation of traffic crashes and fatalities. This bill will make Illinois roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicle operators. We commend Senator Feigenholtz on her advocacy for safe streets.”
Senate Bill 1559 passed the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday.
