CDOT employee killed in bicycle crash in Bridgeport
Calls for change after CDOT worker killed in crash
A CDOT employee was killed last week while riding his bike. He worked to add and improve bike lanes in the city. Today - another advocate talked about the loss to the bike community.
CHICAGO - A Chicago Department of Transportation employee was killed in a bicycle crash in Bridgeport on Friday, according to reports.
Riley O’Neil died in what officials described as a tragic traffic incident. According to the Chicago Tribune, O’Neil was riding north on Halsted Street when the driver of a white sedan opened a car door into his path. O’Neil swerved to avoid the door but clipped it and was thrown into the street, where he was then struck by a large truck.
Police said the driver of the sedan was issued four citations.
- Parking prohibited — standing/parking posted
- Unsafe opening/closing of a door
- Driving on a suspended license
- Operating an uninsured motor vehicle
CDOT employee killed in bicycle crash on Friday
CDOT confirms one of its employees was killed in a crash.
In a statement, Ald. Nicole Lee (11th Ward) said the community was "heartbroken" by O’Neil’s death and offered condolences to his family, friends and those who witnessed the crash.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved colleague, Riley. He was a cherished member of CDOT's Complete Streets team and a dedicated public servant committed to making Chicago's streets safer and more accessible for everyone. He will be greatly missed. https://t.co/9NoigQC0hb pic.twitter.com/VK1FWtCwR7
— CDOT (@ChicagoDOT) June 6, 2026
Lee described O’Neil as a dedicated public servant who was passionate about improving bicycle accessibility throughout the city.
In a statement posted on social media, Mayor Brandon Johnson said:
"Riley O’Neil was an incredible public servant who contributed deeply to the work of making our city a safer and more sustainable place. A member of the Complete Streets team, Reilly was a valued colleague and dedicated advocate whose work touched communities across Chicago. This loss is felt across City government. My condolences to Riley’s family, friends, loved ones, and all those at CDOT who worked alongside him over the years. Chicago is grateful for his service."
Lee said her office is continuing to work with CDOT on the next phase of the city's Smart Streets program, which O’Neil had been involved in before his death. The proposal would extend bike lanes along 35th Street from Halsted Street to Ashland Avenue, though the project remains in the planning stages and requires additional community input.
Lee said she has been in contact with CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney Cheeks regarding the crash and plans to provide updates on the traffic study and potential safety measures in the coming days.
Authorities have not released additional information about the crash investigation.
The Source: Details for this story were provided by Ald. Nicole Lee's Office and the Chicago Tribune.