Bike Traffic - February 2007

February 2007

A bill introduced by State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-57th) would provide stiffer sentences for drivers convicted of injuring or killing crossing guards or children under the supervision of crossing guards.

Under House Bill 508, drivers who cause injury by demonstrating disregard for crosswalk safety can be slapped with a new class 3 felony of aggravated reckless driving.

The State Senate Transportation Committee is to take up a measure requiring motorists to maintain a 3-foot distance when sharing the lane with or passing bicyclists. Senate Bill 80 is co-sponsored by senators Edward D. Maloney (D-18th), Todd Sieben (R-45th), Chris Lauzen (R-25th), Michael Bond (R-31st_) and Carole Pankau (R-23rd).

The legislation also adds language to the vehicle code bolstering bicyclists’ right to “take the lane” when their safety is jeopardized, particularly at intersections where right turns are permitted.

What does the coming CTA construction project mean for those who take their bikes on the Brown, Purple and Red lines? The CTA's bikes on trains policy remains unchanged, but because of the three-track operation at the Belmont and Fullerton, bicycling passengers are being asked to keep acouple of things in mind beginning April 2.

First, the Belmont and Fullerton platforms will be no place to bring a bike during the next three years. Bicyclists should take their bikes to stations unaffected by the three-track operations.

CTA asks that bicyclists remember that even during bike access hours (6 p.m. to 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays; 24 hours weekends) trains could be too crowded to board with a bike, particularly since rush hour will last longer. As always, if the car is too crowded or the car is already carrying its two-bike maximum, you must find another car or wait for another train.

You can also park your bike at any of the stations with indoor bike parking. If you see a train station that needs more bike parking, you can contact Amy Malick at CTA (312) 681-4161.

Bikes on buses is another alternative. North Side bus service will be expanded during the next three years and every CTA bus is equipped with a rack that holds two bicycles.

Check transitchicago.com for details on expanded bus service and other updates.

Chicagoland Bicycle Federation signed a contract to help the City of Evanston determine the placement of 150 bike racks. CBF North Suburban Coodinator Norbert Budde and Deputy Director Nick Jackson are working with Evanston project manager Rajeev Dahal and former Chicago Bike Parking Manager John Greenfield is providing part-time technical assistance.

The five-village Skokie Valley Trail Committee hosts a public meeting 7 p.m. April 19 at Northbrook Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Ln., to present a proposal for an 8.5-mile multi-use trail north from Oakton Street in Skokie to Lake Cook Road in Northbrook. It will connect to the Skokie Valley Trail, continuing north, and provide bicycle access to New Trier West and Loyola Academy.