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

In Brazil a driver drove at full speed through a critical mass, running down cyclists in his path. Richard Neis, 47, a bank worker, has been questioned by civil police in Brazil about the incident after being identified as the driver. Mr Neis's lawyer, Luis Fernando Coimbra Albino, told the Brazilian news website Zero Hora that his client would plead that he acted in defense of himself and his 15-year-old son. He said Mr Neis had felt threatened after cyclists started to bang on his car roof and broke its windows.

Last month charges were dropped against the former Attorney General of Ontario, Michael Bryant, after an incident in which he fled the scene after a fatal bicycle/car crash.  As an attorney who has handled many hit-and-run cases, I'm not surprised by this disappointing outcome.  Neither is Bob Mionske, who analyzed and rebutted the arguments for dismissing the charges against Michael Bryant in his article, "This is Justice?"

Governor Quinn has officially signed Illinois first specific Anti-Bicycle Harassment statute into law.  Effective January 1, 2011, the law increases penalties for attempting to harm or threaten bicyclists. Under the law, drivers who intimidate cyclists with threats, crowding or throwing items will be subject to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.