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Permalink Reply by Michelle S on May 6, 2016 at 7:31am

The following appears to be the applicable code in Chicago. Bus drivers who are loading/unloading passengers or dealing with an emergency are allowed to legally stop in the bike lane, but otherwise, it doesn't appear there are any other exceptions for delivery vehicles, taxis, etc.

 

It is pretty funny that there is the very specific exception that people in electric wheelchairs are allowed to use the new two-block-long protected bike lane on one side of upper Randolph. Gotta love Chicago!

§ 9-40-060

Driving, standing or parking on bicycle paths or lanes prohibited

a.

The driver of a vehicle shall not drive, unless entering or exiting a legal parking space, or stand, or park the vehicle upon any on-street path or lane designated by official signs or markings for the use of bicycles, or otherwise drive or place the vehicle in such a manner as to impede bicycle traffic on such path or lane.  The driver of a vehicle shall not stand or park the vehicle upon any lane designated by pavement markings for the shared use of motor vehicles and bicycles, or place the vehicle in such a manner as to impede bicycle traffic on such lane; provided, however, the driver of a bus may stop the bus in any such lane (i) at a designated bus stop for the purpose of loading or unloading of passengers, (ii) in case of an emergency; or (iii) as permitted in Section 9-48-050(d) of this Code.  In addition to the fine provided in Section 9-4-025 of this Code, any vehicle parked in violation of this section shall be subject to an immediate tow and removal to a city vehicle pound or authorized garage.

b.

Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, an electric personal assistive mobility device, as that term is defined in Section 9-80-205, may enter and drive upon the Randolph Protected Bike Lane located on Upper East Randolph Street, between North Michigan Avenue and North Harbor Drive.

 

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Permalink Reply by Yolo Perdiem on May 6, 2016 at 12:37pm

Does municipal code trump any possibly applicable state law?

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Permalink Reply by S on May 6, 2016 at 10:27am

As Michelle points out the vehicles aren't legally using the bike lanes or even the regular lanes.  On the other hand, strictly enforcing the rules would disrupt a lot of deliveries and everyday business, since open spots to pull over are few and far between.  I think there's probably a balance between allowing this and enforcement but I'm sure people will disagree as to where the balance point is.

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Permalink Reply by Yolo Perdiem on May 6, 2016 at 12:35pm

Shit, even enforcing full-stop stop signs on automobiles is disruptive as heck.  Out in Glenview there is periodic enforcement, a full 2-second stop at a busy neighborhood intersection, and traffic ends up backing up.  It's basically an enforced traffic jam instead of traffic flow.

Then again, there is this:  Dude set up his own road cones.  I asked him what was up, he said, waiting for service call.  (Ardmore and Sheridan).

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Permalink Reply by Maurice on May 6, 2016 at 10:33am

Most downtown businesses have loading docks.  Delivery drivers stop in the downtown bike lanes because it's easier and because the city refuses to ticket them.  Neighborhood business are different, but I routinely see delivery trucks illegally double-parked 20 or 30 feet from an empty curb.

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