Chicago City Council rejected a measure to reduce the citywide speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph on Wednesday.
Ald. Daniel La Spata was the head sponsor of the proposal, according to multiple reports. He argued the move would bolster Chicago’s Vision Zero Action Plan for eliminating traffic deaths in Chicago by 2026.
A matter of public safety
“Even that 5 mph difference cuts in half the likelihood that your vehicle kills the person that it crashes into,” he said in a statement obtained by CBS Chicago.
La Spata noted other major cities like Seattle and Los Angeles have adopted similar legislation and seen reduced traffic deaths.
Ald. Mike Rodriguez also advocated for the proposal on the basis of public safety, according to CBS.
Rodriguez cited data from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) showing pedestrians face a higher fatality risk when hit by a car at 30 mph versus 25 mph.
Traffic deaths in Chicago plateau
Traffic deaths in Chicago reached a high during the pandemic but have decreased some in recent years.
A 2023 report from CDOT found that traffic deaths decreased from 186 in 2021 to 136 in 2023.
Since then that figure has largely plateaued. Data shared by CDOT in January found that 133 people died in traffic crashes in 2024, according to Block Club Chicago.
City leaders express opposition
Despite strong support from some council members, other city leaders opposed the measure, citing concerns over increased speeding tickets.
Opponents of the measure argued that traffic tickets disproportionately impact minority communities. They claimed the speed limit reduction proposal would further exacerbate this issue.
Lowered speed limit not off the table
Ultimately, the proposal failed in a 28-21 vote. It is unclear when or if city council will introduce a new speed limit reduction proposal in the future.
La Spata however, vowed to continue fighting for the speed limit reduction proposal. “[It] will never be off the table as long as I’m doing this job,” said La Spata in a statement obtained by Block Club.