Creating an equitable system of traffic safety

The Free2Move Coalition is an alliance of community and advocacy organizations working to create a safer, more racially equitable system of traffic safety in Chicago.

Our New 2023 Traffic Stop Report Shows that CPD has Continued Making Excessive, Harmful, and Ineffective Pretextual Traffic Stops.

Impact for Equity and the Free2Move Coalition’s new 2023 traffic stops report shows a nearly 700% increase in traffic stops since 2015 and a 5% surge in traffic stops in 2023 over the previous year, totaling 537,313 stops. Less than 1% of these have produced any firearms or contraband, less than 4% have led to citation, and less than 3% have led to arrest, contrary to their purported purpose of increasing roadway and public safety. 

The data reveals that these stops disproportionately target Black and Latine communities, particularly on the West Side of Chicago. Despite making up less than 30% of the city’s population, Black Chicagoans are stopped at a significantly higher rate—51% of all 2023 stops. 

Together We Can End Pretextual Traffic Stops

Whether in a car, on a bike, on the sidewalk, or using public transportation, Black and Latine people in Chicago are consistently stopped by the police at higher rates than their white neighbors. We have seen time and again how these stops can escalate, leading to harm and in some cases, death. Stops continue to be used as a mechanism for public safety despite a lack of evidence to show that these stops decrease traffic violence or violent crime. It is time to fundamentally change our approach to traffic enforcement in Chicago.

 Everyone regardless of where they live or what they look like should feel Free2Move.