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What Can They Do?
Key Components of Healthy Streets in the General Assembly's Hands

By David Callahan

These pieces of legislation in the Illinois General Assembly are key components of Chicagoland Bicycle Federation’s campaign for Healthy Streets.

1. The Bicycle Safety Restoration Act (HB4907) introduced by State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northwest Suburbs) is one of the CBF’s Top 10 Initiatives in 2006. The bill would reverse the statewide freeze on bike projects resulting from the Illinois Supreme Court’s 1998 ruling in Boub v. Wayne Township, which stripped bicyclists of their status as “intended users” of roadways. HB4907 restores bicyclists’ status, while imposing no obligation to improve highways or to maintain them to a higher standard for bicyclists. Rep. Nekritz is engaged in discussions that may redraft the bill.

2. The Complete Streets Bill (SB508), which passed the Senate last year, would commit the Illinois Department of Transportation to meet the needs of road users besides motorists. Sen. Edward Maloney (D-Chicago) introduced SB508 and it was co-sponsored by Senators Susan Garrett (D-North Suburbs) and Dave Sullivan (R-Northwest Suburbs). The bill would require adoption of the federal policy for accommodating bicycles and pedestrians on major projects on state-maintained roads. The bill, sponsored in the House by Rep. Joseph Lyons (D-Chicago), was referred to the House Rules Committee, where it awaits action in the upcoming session.

3. The Park Zones Bill (HB4704) would allow local governments to establish “park zones” around any recreational area, setting speed limits of 20 mph or lower. Penalties for speeding or failing to come to a complete stop at stop signals would be set at $250 for first offense, $500 for second. An additional fine of $50 must also be paid to the park district. The bill, which is sponsored by Rep. John D’Amico (D-Chicago), also provides for special park zone signage that will be made available to local governments at no charge. Like SB508, this legislation was passed by the Senate is waiting in the House Rules Committee.

David Callahan is managing editor of Bike Traffic