The Chainlink

311 Code for Parking in the Bike Lane

The City of Chicago has implemented a new 311 code so that people riding bikes can easily report a “Vehicle Parked in a Bike Lane.” This information will be used by the City to identify hotspots and prioritize enforcement. However, the City does not have the resources to respond to each individual report. People can call 311 or use the 311 web system to file a report. We’re asking cyclists to report the day(s), time(s) and locations(s) that they observe vehicles parking in bike lanes. 

See the attached screenshot for the web-based reporting, or click this link:

 

https://servicerequest.cityofchicago.org/web_intake_chic/Controller?op=locform&invSRType=VBL&invSRDesc=Vehicle%20Parked%20in%20a%20Bike%20Lane&locreq=Y&stnumreqd=Y

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Permalink Reply by Charlie Short 2.9 on April 8, 2017 at 1:35pm

To clarify some of the questions about calling 911 or 311, this code was set up because both when you call 911 and no ticket is written, there isn't a record created like there is for 311. Parking in the bike lane is both illegal and dangerous, but the police simply don't have the resources to get to every call in time, especially in districts like the 14th where there's a great deal of violent crime and bike infractions.

As far as getting pushed to 911 from 311, that does happen.

I will reiterate: this code was specifically set up to direct DOF resources to areas with high violations without taking away from the police. And to be absolutely clear about this, I was in the room and helped develop this with CDOT, DOF with input from 311, 911 and the CPD.

Permalink Reply by Mike Rosen on April 8, 2017 at 2:12pm
Getting pushed to 911 from 311 does happen. I never denied that. I only said that it's not standard or "automatic" that it will. If the dispatch decides to transfer you to 911, that's fine. My who point is don't begin with 911 or tie up life-saving services for something that is not immediately life-threating.
Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on April 8, 2017 at 2:45pm

You can get pushed from 911 to 311 when deemed appropriate.  I've had that happen as well

Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on April 8, 2017 at 2:44pm

You can get pushed from 911 to 311 when deemed appropriate.  I've had that happen as well.

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on April 9, 2017 at 7:58am

What's the background on this initiative?

While I applaud the attempt to cut down on cars in the bike lanes, and the use of "new" technologies :), you don't need a statistical analysis to cut down on cars in the bike lane.  Just go down Clark or Grand in River North any weekday am and you will find many cars to ticket.  

Why can't a few of those cops on bikes write a couple hundred tickets in a morning? 

Really this isn't that hard. 

In a nutshell, if the city is really concerned about parking in bike lanes, there are many inexpensive, low effort ways they could increase enforcement. I am skeptical that the will is there - outside of the well intentioned individual who put this form together.

Permalink Reply by Argonne69 on April 10, 2017 at 3:57pm

No kidding. I've posted over 70 photos in this thread since January, with 98% of them on Franklin St during the evening rush. I have started submitting my reports via the 311 website, but it should hardly be necessary.

Permalink Reply by Maurice on April 9, 2017 at 1:32pm

In Chicago, 311 operators routinely refer callers to 911 for parking violations in progress.

In Chicago, 911 operators repeatedly have confirmed that the 311 operators are correct.

Chicago police officers repeatedly have confirmed that the 311 operators are correct.

 

^

These are the only opinions that matter.

Permalink Reply by mike w. on April 9, 2017 at 1:37pm

If so, then why even bother having a 311 service?

Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on April 9, 2017 at 1:54pm

311 is for reporting or requesting routine city services - missing garbage cans, street lights out, potholes, missing signs, tree trimming requests, Rodent reporting, abandoned cars, fly dumping, open fire hydrants, etc.

Permalink Reply by mike w. on April 9, 2017 at 1:43pm

Also it seems to me that if 911 gets inundated with bike lane parking violation complaints, there is a potential for backlash against the cycling population in general, rather than the police taking any serious action towards parking enforcement... the upshot might just eventually be more ticketing of riders, or even the removal of bike lanes altogether.

You could call me paranoid, but i've come to expect such behaviour from officialdom.

Permalink Reply by Mike Rosen on April 9, 2017 at 4:22pm
Those are not the only opinions that matter, especially when it is grossly selfish and fails to take life-threatening situations into account. At the risk of redundancy, I'm a medic. I know exactly how this system works. When you tie up 911 with non-life threatening situations, you are being selfish to people who are experiencing the worst moments of their lives. Have a little compassion and think your actions through, instead of insisting your will is all that matters. Seriously, take a moment and think about it. Think about the person in a life-threatening crisis where every second matters that you are putting yourself in front of.
Permalink Reply by mike w. on April 9, 2017 at 7:49pm

THIS. Thank you.

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