Thought this would be of interest to cyclists here. I guess the big lesson I take away is that it's not easy to pursue a case in the courts against a motorist, but in the end it's one important tool cyclists have to fight aggressive acts by motorists on the road.

Background: myself and 16 other cyclists have pursued this case for over a year now. The incident took place up in Libertyville where Thomas Lynch rode his pickup truck in front of a paceline of cyclists who were riding legally on St. Mary's Road. He deliberately swerved abruptly in front of us and slammed on his brakes causing a pileup of bodies and bikes. I was treated in the hospital, many were treated by EMTs at the scened and another victim had injuries that require multiple surgeries. I think it's amazing that no one was even more seriously injured.

Fast forward to yesterday where Lynch pleaded guilty to aggrevated battery charges and penalties that frankly are far stiffer than I expected at the onset.

Details on the conviction and case can be found at CBR:
http://www.chicagobikeracing.com/index.php/site/post/thomas-lynch-g...

Lake County Prosecutors Brette Henne and Lonnie Reda deserve kudos for being willing to go after this guy with 7 felony counts. The diligence and conviction of my fellow cyclists who were victims in the incident were the keys to a positive outcome.