The Law Offices of James M. Freeman, P.C.

The law is clear, bicyclists are expected to adhere to traffic laws. If you do not you endanger yourself and others. Sure, the danger posed by a cyclist is somewhat less imposing than that of a car, but it isn't as if cyclists can't injure pedestrians or motorists. I have personally seen cases where cyclists were sued after they injured pedestrians.

In the coming years I anticipate a spike in bike v. bike accidents and bike v. pedestrian accidents due to the sheer exponential increase in the number of bikes on Chicago's streets. I have had recent experiences where I was almost hit or caused to crash by cyclists who were violating traffic laws. If a bicyclist causes an injury to another cyclist or pedestrian they can expect me to hold them accountable.

Cyclists in years past have enjoyed rogue status because of their small numbers, but as the number of cyclists on Chicago's streets continues to multiply it becomes more important that we all follow the rules. Chicago will reach a point after which it will no longer tolerate lawless behavior. While it is my experience that most cyclists obey most laws (at least as much as motorists obey the laws), a very visible minority of cyclists give the remainder of us a bad reputation through their actions, and that's not right. Motorists and pedestrians see cyclists blowing through traffic against a red light and stereotypes are born or enforced. We must fight such stereotypes by setting an example of consideration and civility as we make our way through the city's streets.

I address this issue because of an increasing number of complaints lodged by pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. If cyclists want to be taken seriously we must take ourselves and our responsibilities seriously first. We must make a concerted effort to be careful and courteous to those around us by obeying the law and respecting others who have a right to the road.

The bicycle is a dignified and civilized mode of transportation. Let's keep it that way.

(625 ILCS 5/11-1502) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-1502)
Sec. 11-1502. Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles.
Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this Code, except as to special regulations in this Article XV and except as to those provisions of this Code which by their nature can have no application.
(Source: P.A. 82-132.)