My friend: Attacked at Damen and Madison

Saturday night round 11pm my friend was riding north on damen. He stopped at the top of the overpass at 290 to wait for the lights to change so he wouldn't have to stop at those lights. Out of the shadows somebody ran at him and knocked him off his bike. This caused him to break his clavicle. By the time he hit the ground another person was on top of him taking his bag and bike. They tried to get into his pockets but he started kicking then and traffic had caught up by then and they were honking and stopped these aholes from getting anything else. The cops came and he said that they were very helpfull. He got an abulance to county and was out after a long wait with only the broken clavicle. They eneded up finding his bike at a nearby bar. This majorly sucks for him since he has no insurance. I know that some of you have had simular experiences and I have heard about the victum insurence that would help pay his hospital bills. I would appreciate any info that I could pass on to him about this.

Keep it safe out there and keep your eyes open.

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by yaj 7.4 on May 24, 2010 at 6:57am

Illinois Crime Victim Compensation details at http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/victims/CV_Application_0908.pdf

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Davo on May 24, 2010 at 7:08am

Thanks

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by T.C. O'Rourke on May 25, 2010 at 8:02pm

I used this once as well for hospital bills incurred as a result of an assault/robbery. $1200, the full total, was paid. I was unemployed at the time.

Good luck & glad to hear the bike was recovered. (What bar?)

y a j said:

Illinois Crime Victim Compensation details at http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/victims/CV_Application_0908.pdf

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Reddog (Cliff) on May 26, 2010 at 1:35am

I used the Illinois Crime Victim Compensation deal last summer after my attack. They paid for everything, except the X-rays. (I'm still dealing with the paperwork for that) But The hospital bill was paid in full.

I was unemployed at the time, and it helped a great deal.

It really makes me angry that these attacks on cyclist occur. I hope your friend is OK and that their broken bone heals up soon.

We are heading in to the time of year where bikers are targets. We all need to be watchful.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Michael Perz on May 26, 2010 at 3:09am

Wait...did this happen at Damen and Madison or at Damen and the Eisenhower?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on May 26, 2010 at 3:39am

Good question.

Davo, 290/the Eisenhower is between Van Buren and Congress. Damen and Madison is 4 blocks north of Congress.

Michael Perz said:

Wait...did this happen at Damen and Madison or at Damen and the Eisenhower?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Davo on May 26, 2010 at 3:48am

Its My understanding that he waited at the top of the Eisenhower so he could catch all the lights on his way down. (Who would want to be stopped in that area at that time). I guess the attack happend closer to Madison. I guess its kind of a gamble, either you haul ass through that area leaving the security of trafic behind or you ride with traffic hopping that you don't get pushed into it.

He just started going through the app process. Thanks for all your help. Be carefull out there.

Michael Perz said:

Wait...did this happen at Damen and Madison or at Damen and the Eisenhower?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Michael Perz on May 26, 2010 at 4:13am

I think I get it now. Your original post made it seem as though it happened on the bridge crossing the expressway which is four blocks south of Madison. I only ask because I frequent this route and appreciate knowing of any recent trouble.

I hope your friend enjoys a speedy recovery.

Davo said:

Its My understanding that he waited at the top of the Eisenhower so he could catch all the lights on his way down. (Who would want to be stopped in that area at that time). I guess the attack happend closer to Madison. I guess its kind of a gamble, either you haul ass through that area leaving the security of trafic behind or you ride with traffic hopping that you don't get pushed into it.

He just started going through the app process. Thanks for all your help. Be carefull out there.

Michael Perz said:
Wait...did this happen at Damen and Madison or at Damen and the Eisenhower?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by cutifly on May 26, 2010 at 5:17am

We all know what they looked like, sounded like and acted like. Someone is gonna snap back sooner or later and I hope whoever pays for it is the one who actually has it coming and not some poor sucker who just happens to be hooked up with the wrong group of jerks on random chance.

Brian Wolber said:

Any idea what the attackers looked like?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Davo on May 26, 2010 at 9:27am

Michael:
Hopefully your not on this route at that late of night. What would you do; speed up to catch all the lights or stay with traffic? Obviously the best solution would be to ride with a friend if going through that area.

I guess my friend has to get surgery yet.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Michael Perz on May 26, 2010 at 10:41am

I use that corridor mainly at night because it tends to be smooth, fairly well lit and clear of traffic. I ride very cautiously and attentively; especially so near the two intersections you mentioned. The ramp to the Eisenhower seems like it would provide an easy getaway for thugs via car, so I always scan the area and try to time the light at Van Buren as accurately as possible. Also, the intersection featuring the liquor store is worth a more spirited than usual sprint.

Davo said:

Michael:
Hopefully your not on this route at that late of night. What would you do; speed up to catch all the lights or stay with traffic? Obviously the best solution would be to ride with a friend if going through that area.

I guess my friend has to get surgery yet.