CHICAGO'S DOWNTOWN PARKING REGULATIONS: A LEGACY OF THE FLOOD

On April 14 1992, the city of Chicago temporarily prohibited all onstreet parking in its densely developed central business district or 'Loop.' Curb space within the Loop was off limits to all vehicles except emergency trucks and pumping equipment. However, 21,000 spaces remained in off-street garages and lots. These new regulations virtually eliminated double-parking and allowed traffic to move more rapidly in the Loop. The Chicago Transit Authority reported faster bus travel times in and through the Loop. Delivery vehicles did not block disabled ramps and other curb cuts. Parking garage and lot operators reported more business from cars that had parked at on-street meters. On observing the effect of the regulations, a 6-month extension of these regulations was recommended. This article discusses these measures, and their modifications. Issues raised by commercial interests are noted, as well as solutions for bicycle advocates.

• Corporate Authors:

  Chicago Area Transportation Study

  300 West Adams Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60606
• Authors:
  • Kropidlowski, C R
  • Peters, J E
• Publication Date: 1992

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 1-4
• Serial:
  • Operations Review
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Chicago Area Transportation Study

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Central business districts; Parking regulations; Transportation planning
• Geographic Terms: Chicago (Illinois)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00624338
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 16 1993 12:00AM