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

Since my post on Chicago's Bicycle Safety Ordinance I have received a number of comments to the effect of, "What about the cyclists who disobey laws? How about passing some laws to deal with rogue cyclists?" To be clear, I have no interest in voicing the opinions of motorists here, rather I think it is important to understand why Chicago, of all places, has such a "problem" with rogue cyclists.

Initially, I would point out that the tension between cyclists and drivers seems to be growing. I suspect this is due to the explosion of cyclists on Chicago streets as gas prices top four dollars a gallon and the summer months make ideal conditions for bicycle commuting. As our numbers grow we lose our anonymity. I see when riding down Milwaukee Avenue in the morning that we are no longer a needle in a haystack, rather we are an unavoidable mass.

Illinois and Chicago Laws clearly regulate the operation of bicycles on roadways. We don't need more laws to regulate cyclists, but we do need police to enforce the laws already on the books. Bicycles are expected to stop at red lights; if they don't they are subject to a ticket. How many cyclists have you seen getting tickets for blowing red lights? Ever seen a cyclist in Chicago blow a red light right in front of a CPD officer?

The real issue is enforcement. If you're so fired up about rogue cyclists you should consider attending your neighborhood CAPS meetings and demand that CPD start handing out traffic violations to cyclists.

In the past I have maintained that CPD's efforts are better spent fighting violent crime, and I still believe that, but I find it hard to believe that CPD doesn't have the resources to hand out a few tickets once in a while. I don't think they need to stop every biker they see blowing lights before word will get around and behavior will change.