The State of Illinois recently stepped up to bat in defense of pedestrians with a new law designed to protect pedestrians in crosswalks. At the time of the bill's original passage, there was skepticism about the bill's enforcement. After all, how do you monitor so many of the city's crosswalks? But according to a report by the Tribune's Jon Hilkevitch, Chicago Police are currently operating stings at some of the city's more accident-prone intersections to aid enforcement of the new law. As for the concern's expressed by some lawmakers about signage, that's also being addressed: more ›

Late last week, Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill into law that requires motorists and bicyclists to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. The previous law protecting crosswalks only asked motorists to "yield and stop when necessary," while the new law says drivers "must stop for pedestrians." In theory, this makes the law easier to understand and enforce. The Active Transportation Alliance came up with a handy list of frequently asked questions [PDF] about the law. Of 6,000 pedestrians hit each year by cars, 172 are killed with most fatalities occurring in crosswalks. more ›

Maybe it's Earth Day or something, but lately it seems like everyone is clamoring to be a friend to the environment. Or, at least they're clamoring to say they're a friend to the environment. In honor of the, er, "holiday," we take a look at some greening efforts related to transportation. more ›

A new crosswalk sting kicks off tonight, aimed at ticketing drivers who risk pedestrian lives. The Chicago Police department has done similar stings in the past, but this one is different: it's during night-time hours. Officials told the Tribune the four main areas they're focusing on this go-around are River North, Austin, Wrigleyville and 79th Street from about Ashland to the Dan Ryan Expressway. Failure to yield to crossing pedestrians will get you a ticket that can range from $50 to $500, so beware and follow the law. more ›

Every year, 71 Chicago pedestrians are killed and 930 are seriously injured when they're hit by cars, according to the North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center. The most dangerous intersection for pedestrians is 79th and King Drive, where 13 people were hit in 2003 and 2005, the years for which information was available. more ›

The CPD has issued 101 warnings in two hours today to drivers who failed to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. An undercover officer tried to cross at Belmont and Lawndale in a sting operation to bust folks who don't yield to those of us on foot. The law requires drivers stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, even when there's no stop sign or traffic light, but not everyone is so into following that rule. more ›