What's this doing in the bike lane?

Share your pics, videos, streets, stories of what you find in the bike lane of the non-bike variety that has an impact on your ride and/or your safety. I've decided to keep it a little more open ended - cars, snow, buses, garbage, cabs, etc. If they shouldn't be in the bike lane, go ahead and add it to this thread. Please be safe if you are taking pics or video! :-)

My hope is that we can collectively build some evidence of what we see when riding in the city with the overall hope of better enforcement of "bikes only" and improving maintenance.

Update: More Hashtags to Capture Vehicles in the Bike Lane

With popular hashtags:
#BikeLaneShaming

#LaneSpreading (Chicago Bike Selling)

#ClearTheWay (ActiveTrans), there are many options to capture violations.

We think you should use ALL of them AND post your photos on The Chainlink. ;-)

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Argonne69 on August 11, 2017 at 8:08am

I spent an hour at the city's administrative court this morning as a witness against the taxi driver who followed me in a threatening manner for a mile after I had taken a photo of his vehicle illegally parked in the bike lane at 225 N Franklin St. The driver was facing 5 charges that would have a maximum fine of $1000. The driver, along with his union representative, asked for a continuance until September 5th. I assume that once they realized that I was there as a witness for the city, they decided to lawyer up, or at least thought that a 2nd hearing my deter me from showing up again. Not a chance. I'll be there again on the 5th.

I spoke with the lawyer for the city before going in front of the judge. I told him quite clearly that I'm doing this out of principle. We can't have drivers, including taxi drivers, threatening cyclists after the drivers have broken the law. Whether he gets fined, or manages to be cleared of all charges, I'm going to do my part to see that he doesn't walk away from this Scott free. At a minimum, spending his free time in court is worth the hassle.

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Permalink Reply by V W on August 11, 2017 at 9:11am

Thank you for fighting the good fight.

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Permalink Reply by Bruce on August 11, 2017 at 9:16am

Good to hear. I think we all are grateful for you taking up that fight. Would you want people to go to show support in the courtroom? Would that be appropriate? I imagine a few people might possibly show up.

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Permalink Reply by Argonne69 on August 11, 2017 at 10:56am

I appreciate the support, but the hearing room is rather small. I imagine even a handful of people in the room might be a bit disruptive.

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Permalink Reply by DerferMark on August 11, 2017 at 9:29am

Kudos!!

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Permalink Reply by gjc on August 11, 2017 at 10:32am

This would be an EXCELLENT standalone post. If for nothing more than a decent reference for other people to follow when they have similar experiences.

Good luck, Argonne.