Bike Lanes, Other Safety Upgrades Coming To Dangerous Stretch Of Archer, Kedzie In Brighton Park

Safety upgrades on dangerous stretches of Archer and Kedzie avenues in Brighton Park will begin this summer as part of the Chicago Department of Transportation's Complete Streets initiative. Planned improvements include roughly 4 miles of protected bike lanes, curb extensions, and concrete pedestrian islands. Ald. Julia Ramirez emphasized the urgency of these changes, noting that many residents experience the streets as hazardous. Community feedback revealed that 80% of respondents had been affected by dangerous driving, contributing to a higher traffic fatality rate—43% above the city average.

Approximately 100 neighbors attended a June 2024 meeting where initial plans were discussed, and feedback from over 500 surveys helped finalize the project. In the past year, Archer and Kedzie avenues accounted for 57% of serious traffic injuries or fatalities among pedestrians and cyclists in the area. Previous Complete Streets initiatives have shown promising results in reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities. The upgrades aim to create a safer environment for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.