Overview
- Riley O'Neil, a 35-year-old planner on the Chicago Department of Transportation Complete Streets team, was struck and killed on Halsted Street after a parked car door opened into his path on Friday.
- Witnesses told police the door forced O'Neil into traffic where a passing semi struck him, and he was later pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital.
- Chicago police cited the driver who opened the door for unsafe opening and also issued violations for parking in a prohibited area, driving on a suspended license, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
- CDOT, Mayor Brandon Johnson, aldermen and colleagues issued public condolences, colleagues set up memorials including naming some racks 'Riley Racks,' and a vigil is planned in Bridgeport.
- Bike safety groups renewed calls for curbside, concrete-protected lanes and project acceleration as O'Neil's death becomes at least the third cyclist fatality in Chicago this year and investigators continue their probe.