| 04/11/2001 | Illinois: Bicycle Safety Restoration BillOn April 4, Illinois Senate Bill 1014 was approved by a vote of 54-0! Now, it's on to the House, where SB1014 (The twin of HB911) will be heard soon.
BACKGROUND:
The legislation would remove liability disincentives for providing safe, on-road bike facilities and grant bicyclists the same rights and liability protections as other road users. It would correct the situation that has hampered Illinois bicycling since a sharply divided Supreme Court ruling in the Boub vs. Wayne Township case, in which the Court held that, with respect to Illinois liability laws, bicyclists are not "intended" users of roadways unless the roadway is specifically designated for bicycle use. (Please note: this is a very simplified summary of the complex circumstances of the case and the Bill; visit www.chibikefed.org and www.lib.org for details.)
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Go to www.chibikefed.org or www.bikelib.org for the latest information and for details on how to do the following: offer thanks to your Illinois Senators for unanimously approving the Bill; ask your Illinois Representatives to cosponsor the Bill; write to Governor Ryan urging him to sign the Bill into law if it is passed. Residents of other states can write to the Governor to tell him you may consider planning a bicycling vacation in Illinois once you are assured that you are an intended user of roadways in the state. As always, please be polite and professional in expressing your opinions. |
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