Chicago Department of Transportation employee struck and killed while riding bike in Bridgeport

A Chicago Department of Transportation employee was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding a bicycle on Friday afternoon in the Bridgeport neighborhood.

Chicago police said a 35-year-old man was riding a bike in the 3200 block of South Halsted Street around 4:40 p.m. when he was hit by a vehicle.

Streetsblog Chicago reports the man was riding in an unprotected bike lane when someone in a parked car opened their door in his path. When the cyclist hit the door, he was thrown into traffic and hit by a passing semi-truck. 

The victim was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. City officials identified him as Chicago Department of Transportation employee Riley O'Neil, who worked for the city's Complete Streets team – which aims to make streets safer for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit – and previously led CDOT's bike parking program for several years.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved colleague, Riley O'Neil. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones," CDOT said in a Facebook post. "He was a dedicated public servant who devoted his career to making Chicago's streets safer and more accessible for everyone. His loss is being felt deeply across the department, and he will be greatly missed."

Mayor Brandon Johnson also shared his condolences over O'Neil's death in a post on X.

"Riley O'Neil was an incredible public servant who contributed deeply to the work of making our city a safer and more sustainable place," Johnson wrote. "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."

Police said traffic citations were issued in the crash, but no criminal charges were filed.