Chicago Advances Speed Limit Reduction Proposal

A proposal to lower Chicago's default speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph has advanced past a City Council committee, aiming to reduce traffic fatalities as part of the city's Vision Zero initiative. The Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety approved the measure by an 8-5 vote, and while the full Council has not yet voted, discussions continue. If enacted, the new speed limits will take effect in 2026 and will exclude state-owned roads like DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Mayor Brandon Johnson endorses the measure, emphasizing equitable implementation. Studies from other cities, such as New York and Seattle, have demonstrated reductions in crashes and fatalities with similar speed limit adjustments. Additionally, a pilot program for community enforcement of traffic violations in bike and bus lanes was approved alongside the speed limit proposal.