A growing number of food delivery robots are using Chicago sidewalks to transport their merchandise, sparking outrage among some residents who say that “Chicago sidewalks are for people, not delivery robots.”
As Alec Karam explains in Block Club Chicago, a petition started by a Lincoln Park resident is asking the city to release safety and accessibility information on the robots and to set clear rules on how they can use public right-of-way. The bots’ critics say they have pushed people off of sidewalks, collided with bicyclists, and deterred emergency vehicles.
City officials are taking note, too. “The offices of Alds. Angela Clay (46th) and Bennett Lawson (44th) have sent out surveys to neighbors in their respective wards asking them to describe their experiences and concerns with the bots and whether they support or oppose their presence.” One resident expressed concerns about letting corporations use sidewalks and public space…