Cyclists need to obey traffic rules in Oak Park

Kathy W from Oak Park  

Posted: May 10th, 2012 10:43 AM

Tallying up #s of violations committed by drivers vs bikers is futile. It's not a contest! But risk to vulnerable cyclists is a valid concern. When driving, I'm scared silly of hitting a bike. During rush hour yesterday I saw an adult cyclist wobble thru intersection of OP & Washington, no helmet, holding mp3 out to side in 1 hand, steering with other, headphones in, singing, clueless. Wow. These are the people who send drivers' blood pressure soaring. Wake up & take care of yourselves...please!

Brian Slowiak from Oak Park  

Posted: May 10th, 2012 9:08 AM

Procedure: If a cyclist commits a traffic offense,after being stopped, the cyclist must show a drivers license. If none is displayed, both bike and rider must be transported to the station and a personal recognizance bond (I bond) will be issued.A Clerk Of the Court approved bond card my be taken as bond.Court date assigned and then either payment or a trial. Or officers must be issued an I-bond book to carry on the street with them.Management will hold the officer in contempt for starting this.

Biker from Oak Park  

Posted: May 10th, 2012 7:27 AM

I can only assume the WJ must've needed to fill some column space, why else would they print yet another rant about bicyclists that adds absolutely nothing to the discussion? Here's a news flash: cars also blow stop signs and lights. Now, can we agree there's mutual responsibility for safety here?

Done from Oak Park  

Posted: May 9th, 2012 4:13 PM

And I'd be willing to bet my left n%t that Ms. Hansen does her share of rolling through stop signs also. Again, I walk from Jackson to the green line and back five days a week and I know of one woman - one - who will stop at a stop sign at Pleasant and Ridgeland. Not in the cross walk. Not in the intersection. Before the crosswalk. And looks for pedestrians first and cars second. Can I see a show of hands of those who do that? I know - everybody does.

OP Resident  

Posted: May 9th, 2012 2:38 PM

Cont. Wondering, yes cyclists ARE suppose to follow traffic laws. It's not only the danger that some irresponsible cyclists cause, but the the sense of entitlement that some cyclists have. I constantly hear them putting blame on the driver while ignoring their own irresponsible actions. It's always the drivers fault when a cyclist gets hit, even if the cyclist runs a red...

OP Resident  

Posted: May 9th, 2012 2:32 PM

I'm sure we'll have a flurry of cyclists on here soon ranting about how cars are more dangerous... but the difference is, there seem to be a large population of cyclists that think they can choose between being a "pedestrian" and "vehicle operator" while riding their bike whenever it's convenient for them. Just yesterday I had to slam on the brakes of my car at Chicago and Oak Park Ave when a cyclist ran a red light, almost hitting him and getting rear ended by the car behind me. Cont.

Wondering  

Posted: May 9th, 2012 12:59 PM

I agree. Many (not all) bicyclists a) don't stay to the side of the road but ride right down the middle of the street b) don't obey traffic signs/signals c) sneak behind large vehicles (bus, truck..)to cross a street narrowly being missed by vehicles making a turn because they can't see the cyclist. Many of these are in plain sight of a police car. Aren't cyclists supposed to follow traffic laws? Most don't and it's dangerous for all concerned.