The Chainlink

New state law makes it a crime to drive close to bicyclists

Active Trans is excited to pass on the news that yesterday the IL Senate passed a law that makes it a crime to drive unnecessarily close to, near or toward a bicyclist, pedestrian, or person riding a
horse, or driving an animal driven vehicle.

This law, in conjunction with the state’s three-feet passing law for bicyclists, will continue to clarify safety issues for enforcers.

The full text is here

Thank you to state Sen. Ira Silverstein who championed this bill.  


Thanks, Ethan, with Active Trans

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Permalink Reply by JeffB on March 19, 2010 at 4:39pm
So this is law now, or does it still have to go through the House?
Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on March 19, 2010 at 5:00pm
My apologies, it does still need to go to the House. We don't anticipate any issues and that it will be official very soon.

Ethan, with Active Trans
Permalink Reply by heather s on March 19, 2010 at 5:11pm
I don't understand... if you call 911 about someone driving unnecessarily close to you, why can't they just deny it? Wouldn't a cop need to witness the incident?
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on March 19, 2010 at 5:35pm
That's not going to stop people from crossing the double line when I'm trying to make a dash for the next intersection. If I had a camera for every time that happened there would be a lot of angry drivers out there.

heather said:
I don't understand... if you call 911 about someone driving unnecessarily close to you, why can't they just deny it? Wouldn't a cop need to witness the incident?
Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on March 19, 2010 at 5:42pm
Educating our enforcers is always a challenge that the public and advocacy orgs like ours struggle with which is why more people reporting helps. Big culture shifts like this take time and the more bicyclists (and pedestrians) are reporting, the better for the shift.

Check out our tips for reporting dangerous motorists: http://www.activetrans.org/knowyourrights/faq

Here is some of the info copied/pasted:

Should I report a dangerous motorist?

YES!

* The motorist you report could cause a serious injury to another cyclist or pedestrian in the future. If that happens, your report of a separate incident can help courts bring appropriate actions against that motorist.
* The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Your report is your voice; it explains to Police that there is a real need for traffic enforcement to protect pedestrians and bicyclists.

How do I report a dangerous motorist?

How to report a dangerous motorist

1. Stop and calm down.
2. Write down the following information and SAVE IT, you may need it in the future:
* Vehicle description
* License plate number
* Description of the incident
* Location of the incident
* Date and time
* Motorist’s physical description
3. Dial 911 and explain the situation, they will direct you to the appropriate department based on whether the situation is an emergency. Police may or may not be dispatched to apprehend the violator.
4. When your report is complete, the assisting officer will give you a reference number, write this down and save it with the other information from the report.
5. Police will mail you a copy of the report, keep it for your records.

TIPS: The Police are directed not to file reports for “road rage” – When speaking with the Police, focus on the specific violation committed, not on your emotions, or on any aggressive verbal exchange you may have had with the violator.

Thanks,
Ethan, with Active Trans
Permalink Reply by Craig S. on March 19, 2010 at 5:49pm
This is kind of funny. I fail to see how it will be properly enforced. In my mind, every driver is a dangerous motorist, I don't trust anyone when I'm riding my bike; drivers, walkers, roller-bladers, other bike riders. I should think that our esteemed state government could be spending their valuable time debating other more pressing issues, like this state's crushing debt load and unemployment.
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on March 19, 2010 at 5:52pm
Do you have a helmet cam I can borrow? I'd snag at least 10 violators by next Friday.
Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on March 19, 2010 at 8:06pm
Speaking strictly for myself, as I'm sure you are for your self, cyclist rights are as important as state debt and unemployment.

Craig S. said:
This is kind of funny. I fail to see how it will be properly enforced. In my mind, every driver is a dangerous motorist, I don't trust anyone when I'm riding my bike; drivers, walkers, roller-bladers, other bike riders. I should think that our esteemed state government could be spending their valuable time debating other more pressing issues, like this state's crushing debt load and unemployment.
Permalink Reply by heather s on March 19, 2010 at 8:15pm
Right. Just because some time was devoted to discussing cyclists rights, does not mean that lawmakers will therefore not spend any time dealing with debt and unemployment. Plenty of lawmaking time to go around.

H3N3 said:
Speaking strictly for myself, as I'm sure you are for your self, cyclist rights are as important as state debt and unemployment.

Permalink Reply by Craig S. on March 19, 2010 at 8:21pm
I wouldn't dare speak for anyone else, however, I don't need yet another law from Springfield to protect myself nor enjoy myself on my bicycles. Your mileage may vary.


heather said:
Right. Just because some time was devoted to discussing cyclists rights, does not mean that lawmakers will therefore not spend any time dealing with debt and unemployment. Plenty of lawmaking time to go around.

H3N3 said:
Speaking strictly for myself, as I'm sure you are for your self, cyclist rights are as important as state debt and unemployment.

Permalink Reply by heather s on March 19, 2010 at 8:35pm
Not everything is about you or your needs.

Craig S. said:
I wouldn't dare speak for anyone else, however, I don't need yet another law from Springfield to protect myself nor enjoy myself on my bicycles. Your mileage may vary.
Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on March 19, 2010 at 9:16pm
If Craig finds the strength to enjoy his cycling by pretending cyclists never die on Illinois roads, and that he is immune from ending up under a car because he wears a little helmet mirror or carries a rabbit's foot blessed by Lance, I say let him.

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