Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on September 1, 2009 at 12:10am

Motors on human powered bikes?

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Permalink Reply by Homebuilt on September 1, 2009 at 2:46am

But still not allowed in the bike lanes and paths within the Chicago City limits.

Just FYI. According to my last convo. w/CDOT rep: if it has a motor, stay out of the bike lanes. I don't know if they'll make an exception for assist.

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Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on September 1, 2009 at 9:09am

I wouldn't think so, Homebuilt.

From what the CDOT rep is saying via you, 'motor onboard = no bike lane for you' instead of 'motor onboard, but not using it = bike lane ok'

Wish I could phrase that better. I hope it's clear.

Homebuilt said:

But still not allowed in the bike lanes and paths within the Chicago City limits.
Just FYI. According to my last convo. w/CDOT rep: if it has a motor, stay out of the bike lanes. I don't know if they'll make an exception for assist.

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on September 1, 2009 at 9:15am

From the link that Dan provided:
"Provides that a person may operate a low-speed electric bicycle only if the person has a valid current
Illinois driver's license, regardless of classification, and the person is at least 16 years of age"

Does that mean that you need a drivers license to operate an electric assisted bike?
Frank

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Permalink Reply by koala on September 1, 2009 at 10:20am

No, because Amendment No. 1 "Removes the requirement that a person have a valid current Illinois driver's license to operate an electric bicycle."

Duppie said:

From the link that Dan provided:
"Provides that a person may operate a low-speed electric bicycle only if the person has a valid current
Illinois driver's license, regardless of classification, and the person is at least 16 years of age"

Does that mean that you need a drivers license to operate an electric assisted bike?
Frank

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Permalink Reply by Homebuilt on September 1, 2009 at 10:32am

Well, right, if you're not actually using it, it may be acceptable. But I wanted to be clear that Chicago is Home Rule and does not have to follow IDOT when it comes to traffic rules like this, and they have decided to be more stringent on the use of bike lanes and paths.

Tank-Ridin' Ryan said:

I wouldn't think so, Homebuilt.
From what the CDOT rep is saying via you, 'motor onboard = no bike lane for you' instead of 'motor onboard, but not using it = bike lane ok'
Wish I could phrase that better. I hope it's clear.

Homebuilt said:

But still not allowed in the bike lanes and paths within the Chicago City limits.
Just FYI. According to my last convo. w/CDOT rep: if it has a motor, stay out of the bike lanes. I don't know if they'll make an exception for assist.

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on September 1, 2009 at 3:14pm

My ADD took over after the synopsis. Thanks for reading the entire article and clarifying this for me

koala said:

No, because Amendment No. 1 "Removes the requirement that a person have a valid current Illinois driver's license to operate an electric bicycle."

Duppie said:

From the link that Dan provided:
"Provides that a person may operate a low-speed electric bicycle only if the person has a valid current
Illinois driver's license, regardless of classification, and the person is at least 16 years of age"

Does that mean that you need a drivers license to operate an electric assisted bike?
Frank

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