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…
