What can convince Chicagoans to rely less on cars? City aims to make ‘transit-oriented development’ the answer

In the illustration, a sun-splashed residential block is lined with spindly trees as tall as the buildings, a bike lane bustles with riders, people cross the street by foot or wheelchair — and there’s not a driver in sight. “Make streets safer for Chicagoans who walk, bike, roll and ride,” the picture’s label reads.

The image was part of the city’s recent pitch to aldermen about a sweeping transit-focused development ordinance, dubbed “Connected Communities,” which passed in July as part of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s bid to combat segregation and gentrification.

Tucked into the ordinance are a series of provisions that advocates hope could help convince more people to turn to walking, cycling and public transit over personal cars. Among the provisions: restrictions on residential parking near public transit.

“Fundamentally, we want a city that’s designed for people,” housing Commissioner Marisa Novara said in an interview. “Where some cities have erred is in emphasizing driving above all else, … the human connection is what we