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Cycling issues in Illinois

The League of Illinois Bicyclists will pursue several significant changes in Illinois traffic law designed to give more protection to cyclists.

The first is Senate Bill 80. The proposal would:

• Require vehicles leave a minimum of 3 feet clearance when passing bikes.
• Clarify that bikes do not have to stay close to the right-hand curb where right turns are permitted.
• Permit the option of using the right arm and hand to signal a right turn.

LIB has created a PDF file illustrating what the law would mean for cyclists and motorists.

The second is a new negligent vehicular homicide bill closing a gap in legal prosecution. The bill was prompted by the death of Matt Wilhelm, who died after a car driven by a woman distracted by loading cell phone ring tones struck him near Champaign, Ill. The LIB Web site also includes an article by Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz concerning the case.

Rietz came under fire from cycling advocates in the Champaign-Urbana area about her decision not to pursue felony charges against the woman, but Rietz contends current state law and case law would not have allowed the stronger charges to be filed.

The woman, Jennifer Stark, pleaded guilty to improper lane usage, the only charge filed in the accident. Stark received the maximum penalty for the offense: a maximum sentence of six months of conditional discharge, a form of probation without reporting to an officer; a $1,000 fine; and traffic safety school.

Labels: advocacy, cycling, Illinois, League of Illinois Bicyclists, safety

Roger 1 comments 2:49 AM

Comments:

The new law looks quite OK.

Cycling Board

# posted by  Anonymous : 12:24 PM

 

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