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Action alert for Illinois cyclists

Because of an Illinois Supreme Court ruling six years ago, Illinois has the reputation of being the nation's most bicycle-unfriendly state. The effect of the case, Boub v. Wayne, is that:

• Cyclists have zero liability protection (from road condition problems) on the vast majority of our roads. Other road users, including mopeds and motorcyclists, have full protection.
• Local governments have a higher duty of care than before Boub, for cyclists on specially designated roads with safety improvements (bike lanes, warning signage, etc.)
• The resulting disincentive – unique to Illinois – has wreaked havoc on plans for these safety features, which are accepted throughout the nation. Rare indeed has been the town that goes against its attorneys’ advice – unless its mayor is an avid cyclist (Chicago).

Here's the call for action given by Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation:

Bicycling enthusiasts need your help!

House Bill 2390, sponsored by Elaine Nekritz (D-Des Plaines) and Randy Hultgren (R-Winfield), is the compromise bill that is finally going to fix the problems caused by "Boub." Many bicyclists have worked with the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and the League of Illinois Bicyclists to restore bicyclists as "intended and permitted" users of Illinois roads for six years now.

HB2390, which will allow bicyclists to be intended users of Illinois roads again AND reduce town's anxiety about liability for bicycle facilities, passed out of committee in Springfield on Tuesday, but is one vote short of passing on the floor, and some of the yes votes aren't as solid as we'd like.

We think your legislator is important for this vote. A fax from you is not only a really simple thing to do, but could be the reason the state moves toward more bicycle accommodations instead of maintaining the current environment, which if you haven't noticed, ain't great.

The importance of faxing your legislator is all out of proportion to how easy we've made it. There isn't another pair of clicks you'll make today that count for more.

I have attached a two page fact sheet on the legislation for you.

Here is what I am asking you to do:

1. Call your house legislator and ask them to vote Yes on HB2390. You could fax them instead, but a call is better. If you need to find out who your legislator is go to: http://www.ilga.gov/house/default.asp

2. Ask everyone you know who is a bicyclist to do the same, including club members, friends, etc.

The vote should come up either tomorrow (Thursday) or Friday.

Roger 0 comments 3:28 PM