In this 4:32 minute video in a bike store, Gov. Quinn expresses his enthusiasm for cycling after signing a bill intended to make Illinois the safest state to bicycle. Motorists take heed - expect to be ticketed for driving too close to a cyclist.
"Senate Bill 2951, sponsored by Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) and Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills), makes it illegal for drivers to crowd or threaten bicyclists by unnecessarily driving close to a cyclist.
The new law increases penalties for attempting to harm or threaten bicyclists. Under the law, drivers who intimidate cyclists with threats, crowding or throwing items will be subject to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine."
In addition, another bill was signed to create "Share the Road" license plates. As Ed Barsotti of the League of Illinois Bicyclists explains on the video, the $22 annually paid by motorists will create sustainable funding for educational programs for cyclists and motorists alike. Twelve other states have such a program. The new laws go into effect Jan. 1, 2011.
From WREX: New bicycle law to increase safety: "(This) legislation hope to change driver's perceptions of who has the right to the road, when the bike paths end.
The law will now bring down harsher penalties for drivers who purposely drive too close, or buzz, a bicyclist."
From The Journal-Standard Editorial: New bike law makes sense
"Together, the bicycling community and the motoring public should develop a healthier recognition for the respective rights and responsibilities of the other.
We think the new law will help to develop that relationship."
Thanks to SF Streetsblog
FULL STORY: Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Protect Bicyclists on Illinois Roadways
Sharrows Are Ineffective, Potentially Counterproductive
Research shows there’s no substitute for protected bike lanes, and sharrows may make roads more dangerous for cyclists.
Share the Road
How to reimagine the public realm for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Unreadable License Plates Led to Lost Revenue, Safety Concerns
In New York City, the rate of unreadable license plates caught on speed cameras rose in 2022, prompting concerns from safety advocates about scofflaw drivers.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Study: Anti-Homelessness Laws Don’t Work
Research shows that punitive measures that criminalized unhoused people don’t help reduce homelessness.
In U.S., Urban Gondolas Face Uphill Battle
Cities in Latin America and Europe have embraced aerial transitways — AKA gondolas — as sustainable, convenient urban transport, especially in tricky geographies. American cities have yet to catch up.
Detroit Says Problems With Property Tax Assessments are Fixed. Advocates Disagree.
With higher-valued properties under assessed and lower-valued properties over assessed, advocates say there's still a problem with Detroit's property tax system.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont