In Chicago, the tragic death of Riley O’Neil has left a profound impact on those who knew him. O’Neil was deeply dedicated to enhancing bicycle safety throughout the city.
On Saturday, friends gathered for a vigil at a growing memorial site, just a day after O’Neil, a city worker and bike safety advocate, was fatally struck while riding his bicycle in the Bridgeport neighborhood.
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The fatal accident occurred on Friday afternoon around 3 p.m. as O’Neil navigated Halsted Street within the designated bike lane.
According to witnesses, as O’Neil, who was 35 and employed by the Chicago Department of Transportation, approached 32nd Street, a driver parked on the side opened his car door unexpectedly. This action caused O’Neil to swerve and fall into traffic, where he was hit by a passing semi-truck.
Authorities have charged the driver with several violations, including improperly opening a car door, parking in a no-parking zone, driving with a suspended license, and lacking vehicle insurance.
Social media has seen an outpouring of tributes to O’Neil. In a heartfelt message, 11th Ward Alderman Nicole Lee described him as a “dedicated public servant who was deeply passionate about making biking accessible for all.”
A spokesperson for CDOT added, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved colleague, Riley. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also issued a statement, calling O’Neil “a valued colleague and dedicated advocate whose work touched communities across Chicago.”
City officials say O’Neil was a member of the department’s Complete Streets Team and previously led Chicago’s Bike Parking Program.
To honor his memory, CDOT says certain bike racks will now be referred to as Riley Racks.
Meanwhile, biking safety advocates say more needs to be done to make biking safe for city riders.
“We often ask for protected bike lanes. The benefit, they’re being both a physical separation, and where we often see the need to be protected with the bike lane on the right of the car, not the left,” said Nik Hunder with Bike Grid Now.
The bike lane along Halsted, where the crash happened, is only marked by a white line and is not protected.
Advocates say O’Neil was at least the third person struck and killed by a driver while biking in Chicago this year.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
The biking community plans to hold a vigil on Monday, where they will not only advocate for safer conditions for bike riders but also remember their dear friend.
The video in the player above is from a previous report.
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