CHICAGO – THE City of Chicago launched a pilot program to improve parking enforcement bus and bicycle lanesusing cameras to catch offenders.

The Smart Streets pilot program, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance, aims to improve the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.

The program will run for two years in the designated area from Lake Michigan to Ashland Avenue and from North Avenue to Roosevelt Road.

Starting Monday, a 30-day warning period will be in effect, during which owners of registered vehicles will receive warnings by mail. After December 5, first-time offenders will receive a warning and repeat offenders will start receiving fines. The program will eventually expand to include enforcement of paid parking violations.

CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney stressed the importance of maintaining bus and bicycle lanes to improve efficiency and safety for all road users. City Comptroller Chasse Rehwinkel highlighted the program’s role in creating a safer and more accessible city for pedestrians and cyclists.

“Chicago cyclists and pedestrians should feel safe traveling through our great city and this is an important step forward to ensure we have both a walkable and bikeable city.” , Rehwinkel said.

The Chicago Transit Authority will also participate in the program by installing cameras on up to six buses on priority routes starting next year.