32nd Ward Newsletter September 11, 2026

Greetings!

It is hard to believe that it has been a quarter of a century since the attacks on September 11, 2001. The events on that day fundamentally changed our country and the whole world, with each of us experiencing that day in different ways. Those were dark days but also days that our shared humanity led us to more acts of kindness and unity. Many communities have taken on the anniversaries as a time to share in community service. For others, it is a day of reflection of where we were, what we were feeling in those dark days and simply taking time to quietly honor those who died that day, keeping them in our memories and working for a better world. I hope that however you look back on it, and whatever you experienced that day that you can find hope and peace among family and friends.

The rise in complaints about E-Bikes and scooters has risen sharply, as much as the injuries we are hearing about from different hospital systems and doctors. The new laws in Illinois are listed below but it will take time to spread the word and get users into compliance. In the meantime, we are compiling the information from constituents about problems with each set of users and will continue to share this with the Dept. of Transportation to improve on safety concerns for everyone using our streets and sidewalks.

Among many great events in the area, this weekend is the Bucktown Yard Sale, and Musky Fest which means street closures on Racine. Please avoid this area if you are heading to the Cubs games this weekend.

Have a great weekend,

Alderman Scott Waguespack

New E-bike and Scooter Laws

Governor JB Pritzker has signed into legislation new rules about electric bikes and scooters, including where and how fast they go. Senate Bill 3484 takes effect Jan. 1 and has the full support of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.

High-speed e-bikes - has electric motors and can travel faster than 28 mph

Requires a driver’s license, insurance, an ownership title and register the vehicle with the state
Can only be driven on roads

Low-speed e-bikes

For Class 1 pedal-assist bike that travels up to 20 mph, riders must be at least 15 years old
For Class 2 motor-powered bike that doesn’t have to be pedaled, riders must be at least 16 years old

High-speed electric scooters - can reach speeds of 50 mph

New regulations limit riders to traveling up to 28 mph.
Riders would be allowed to operate them on paths, bike lanes, roads with speed limits up to 35 mph, or roads with higher speed limits if there is a bike lane
Users must be at least 16 years old

Low-speed electric scooters - max 20 mph

Allowed on paths, bike lanes, and roads
Must be at least 16 years old

Battery-powered devices designed for young children would be unregulated aside from a stipulation they must stay on sidewalks and paths.

Users who violate the regulations could pay fines and have their devices confiscated and impounded by the police. They are also subject to other existing traffic laws and penalties as well.

These new regulations stem from a number of accidents involving young folks. So, this is also a great reason for us to remind you all to ride safely. Please be careful and make sure you're wearing a helmet and stay alert about your surroundings.

2026 Street Cleaning Schedule

Street cleaning season is in full swing. Sweepers will do more than one pass on the block in their initial cleaning but will not come back to clean sections outside of their officially scheduled day.

Next week, street sweeping will occur in sections 3, 4, and 5 (parts of West Lakeview and Hamlin Park). Click on the map above to see your section's schedule.

Please be on the lookout for signs and make sure to move your vehicle on your scheduled day (south and east sides of the street are normally done on the first day, north and west on the second; please watch for signs).

Please take the time to help clear the curb in front of your property to keep the sewers flowing well. Any landscaping debris should be bagged and put in the alley by your trash cans. Please do not sweep landscaping debris into the street. Piles of leaves and heavy garbage also clog the sweepers and will cause significant delays. Other large objects like branches will also damage the sweepers, so please remove them from curbs. Many of our clogged drains are covered in bottles, plastic bags and heavy landscaping debris that prevents good drainage. Removing plastics from the curbs and drains also helps keep our Chicago River and Lake Michigan free of the debris.

Residents can view street sweepers in real time using the Sweeper Tracker online tool.

September CAPS Meetings

14th Police District

1432- September 23, 6pm

Holstein Park

2200 N. Oakley

caps.014district@chicagopolice.org

14th District Twitter

14th District CAPS- 312-744-1261

19th Police District

1921/1922- September 16, 6:30pm

Police Auditorium

2452 W. Belmont

1931- September 22, 6:30pm

Lathrop Advancement Center

2820 N. Leavitt

1932- September 24, 6:30pm

Lincoln Park Library

1150 W. Fullerton

caps.019district@chicagopolice.org

19th District Twitter

19th District CAPS- 312-744-0064

Musky Fest September 11-13

Musky Fest is back! Street closures will be in effect next weekend. Please note the street closures:

2946-3110 N Racine
1200-1228 W Nelson
1201-1213 W Barry
No thru traffic on Nelson, between Racine and Lakewood, 6am Friday 9/11 to 8pm Sunday 9/13.
No thru traffic on Racine, between Barry and Wellington, 6am-11:59pm+ Saturday 9/12.
Any car parked on RACINE after 12:01am on Saturday will be ticketed and towed.
Any car parked on Nelson, between Racine and the alley after 12:01am on Friday will be ticketed and towed.

Click here to get information on the event and lineup!

Click the flyer above for more info on adopting from Animal Care and Control.

Share Our Spare: Diaper Drive!

Support this drive three ways!

Purchasing diapers here!
Bringing packages of size 3 and up diapers and/or wipes to our office at 2657 N Clybourn. Open packages of diapers are accepted!
Making a monetary donation here to help Share Our Spare purchase diapers at cost.

Annual Bloomingdale Trail Run

Early bird registration is now open for the annual Bloomingdale Trail Run on Saturday, September 26. This is a fun, family-friendly event with a timed 5k and 1/4-mile and 1/2-mile dashes for young runners. Click here to register.

Join the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce at Rockwell on the River for this multi-chamber event! Network with local business owners from several different neighborhoods in a beautiful outdoor atmosphere. Featuring the musical stylings of DJ JUJU and delicious food from Soul & Smoke, this is a can’t-miss event!

Get your tickets now and enjoy early bird ticket prices through September 3rd.