Are These Curb Bumpouts Necessary?

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post


Traffic calming measures---designed to protect everyone by making motorists drive in a more civilized fashion---have been around in Chicago in one way or another for many years---almost as long as there have been cars and trucks.

But in the last decade or so, they have been popping up all over the city.

The best known are speed humps (typically found on streets) and speed bumps (typically found in alleys). But there are also traffic circles (found in the middle of intersections) and various types of curb bumpouts (which extend protection for pedestrians by funneling vehicular traffic into a more narrow path).

When placed in the right location, traffic calming devices can prevent crashes and damage to property---as well as prevent injuries and even save lives.

Placed poorly, they amount to an annoyance at best and a potential hazard at worst.

The newly installed curb bumpouts at 52nd and Luna fall into the latter category, according to Susan Donner Stacken, who lives right there. The concrete bumpouts---which essentially eliminate several parking spots on an already crowded street---are next door to the front of her house.

So she wrote to the Chicago Department of Transportation:

"I live at 52nd and Luna. The city has just installed some cement islands on the street at the corners.  I would like to know why?  This street has parking issues, and it is also a cul-de-sac; so the traffic is next to nothing to control.  Also, one side of the street has a "No Parking From Here to Corner" sign and then "No Parking/Handicap" sign.  I do not understand who approved this and for what purpose exactly?  It is going to make it a nightmare for the residents of this block. With winter fast approaching, things are going to get ugly around here very soon. The parking spaces these cement islands took up were valuable to the residents. It truly has no functioning purpose. I am requesting that these things be removed immediately!"

After seeing it for myself, I have to say I completely agree with her. If it were my block, I'd be raising hell with the city.

So I asked the Chicago Department of Transportation for an explanation. Here is what they gave me:

"CDOT's Traffic-calming program serves the need for counter-measures intended to either stop, disrupt and/or discourage vehicles from speeding or cutting through residential communities. The program addresses speeding, reckless driving, and other motorist behaviors which negatively impact the quality of life in any community.In the last few years, we have seen a considerable spike in speeding and reckless driving citywide, and it is not so unusual that additional traffic-calming tools may be requested to address the safety concerns that have arisen.  

"A single traffic-calming tool can often address concerns related to speeding and safe pedestrian crossing. Unfortunately, not all traffic problems on residential streets are resolved so easily. In this case, it was reported that pedestrians were being challenged in the crosswalk by motorists entering and exiting the dead-end block, and it was suggested that our department determine alternatives to help resolve the safety concerns. CDOT staff conducted a field evaluation and observed troublesome traffic patterns and behaviors of motorists. Street bump-outs were selected because that particular tool best serves the need of placing a canopy of protection around the vulnerable pedestrians in the roadway while minimizing their exposure to oncoming traffic when crossing the street."

The curb bumpouts, as seen from the SE corner of 52nd and Luna.

Seeking a translation, I contacted 23rd Ward Alderman Michael R. Zalewski. He replied, 

"The bump outs are a result of a letter I received from residents on the block, of autos driving down the block at a high rate of speed once they realize there is a cul de sac at the south end of the street. CDOT did a study at my request to deal with the problem and suggested the bump outs. I would be open to a petition to remove the cul de sac if that is what the majority of the block wants. I never liked cul de sacs. However, it would have to be approved by Alderman Burke, considering this block will now be in the 14th Ward."

CDOT also said that Alderman Zalewski requested the bumpouts. The request was received by CDOT back in March; and then later approved in May.

Zalewski did not say which residents or how many residents sent him that letter. One? Five? Ten? And he did not say if all households on the block were consulted or even notified.

Susan Donner Stacken says she wasn't consulted, and did not know about the CDOT study or the decision until after the concrete was poured.

Looking south from the southwest corner of 52nd and Luna.

Let me say this: I don't live on the block, but I can't see how cars routinely speed on a block that is already cul-de-sac'ed. And if somehow they do, wouldn't it make more sense to install a speed hump a little south of the crosswalk, so cars would have to slow down as they neared pedestrians? At least that way, you wouldn't eliminate parking spaces.

Or better yet, add and improve markings that warn motorists that Luna is cul-de-sac'ed. Currently, there is one sign on a pole that is partially obscured by a tree in the summer. Didn't CDOT see that when they came out to have a look?

What a mess.

In a time when city government is running hundreds of millions of dollars in the red, shortchanging taxpayers and jeopardizing the public safety with fewer and fewer police, cutting hours at public libraries, closing health clinics, reducing anti-gang graffiti removal services and more---they somehow find funds to pour concrete on a cul-de-sac'ed street.

Stay tuned. This isn't over...

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