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Chicago Bike Proposals
February 7th, 2008 by Warren T 
Chicago Sun-Times reporter Fran Spielman has an article on Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley’s proposal for fines of $150 - $500 for drivers who endanger bicycle riders. The fines would come into play if the cyclist is caused to crash. From what I can tell, it looks like the three main concerns are dooring, cars cutting off cyclists by turning in front of them and cars passing within three feet of bikes.
The ordinance introduced by Daley during last night’s City Council meeting is designed to reduce the number of crashes involving bikes and motor vehicles. The article states that there were 6,000 such crashes in Chicago between 2001 and 2005, resulting in 30 cyclist deaths. The ordinance also “establishes a fine for double-parking in a marked lane that’s supposed to be shared by bikes and vehicles. And it raises the fine for driving, standing and parking in a bicycle-only lane.”
If you weren’t aware, Mayor Daley is a fellow bike rider…
February 7th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
The guy in the first photo is going to need that kind of protection because if he crashes he might not get back up.
February 7th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
You mean because he only has one leg? Just kidding.
Or because he is riding a fixie?
Or do you mean because he isn’t wearing a helmet?
February 7th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Interesting quote from the Mayor after he mentioned that he’s been doored: “And [there were] a few choice words. Every biker does that — salutes the driver in a Chicago way.”
February 8th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Cool, the post.
Thanks for the information.
February 8th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Good article. I started out cycle-commuting in Chicago in 87. Could’ve used some bike lanes back then. Not to mention the laws w/some teeth. Daley’s a ‘for real’ cyclist not just a ‘photo op’ guy. Love the part about the ‘Chicago Salute’…we’ve all been there. It’s neither too little nor too late as a mayor in a city of the size of Chicago taking up for the safety of cyclists may lead to other urban areas to follow suit. Very progressive…heck it’s almost radical. Hope he gets it past the City Council. Gotta love Chicago.
February 8th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Sound like excellent proposals. Let’s hope that the all-powerful motor lobby doesn’t kill them off.
Good luck from the UK
February 9th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
…total respect & props for hizzoner mayor richard daley & like jeff mentions, the guy is a for real cyclist…
February 9th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
…i should also point out that daley was first elected as mayor back in ‘89 & has regularly received upwards of 70% of the mayoral vote in subsequent elections…popular guy…
…as a serious cycling advocate in that town, i’m sure daley could offend some of his non-cycling constituents but the man just keeps plugging away at projects that are beneficial to the cycling lifestyle…
…don’t think i wanna live in chicago, (it’s this california life, i did my ice n’ snow time as a kid in canada) but i always keep an eye out for chicago’s progressive nature regarding bicycles…
February 11th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
These proposals are promising, but in my years of commuting on Chicago’s streets, I have never seen bike lane rules enforced. Sigh…
February 12th, 2008 at 3:56 am
…justfrank, i don’t doubt that…hizzoner needs to get more of the boys in blue out on bike patrol instead of sitting in crown vics…give ‘em a taste of the life…
…being a big city cop is dangerous but then again, so is being a big city cyclist…
…ride safe…
October 23rd, 2008 at 2:37 am
good
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:27 pm
ｖｅｒｙ ｇｏｏｄ！
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:28 pm
This blog is splendid!
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Please drive various places of Chicago carefully！