Police crack down on bicyclists

Police Crack Down on Bicyclists

 

Heads Up!

 

A crackdown near downtown Chicago on bicyclists running red lights and disobeying other traffic laws led to dozens of warnings and at least one ticket Tuesday morning.

But the combination enforcement-and-education operation, conducted at the busy and chaotic intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Desplaines and Kinzie streets, may not have convinced all the violators to change their unsafe ways.

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Permalink Reply by Ace Mann on June 7, 2011 at 5:55am
Thanks for the heads up. Maybe some will think.
Permalink Reply by Brendan Kevenides on June 7, 2011 at 5:56am
I rode through there this morning.  I didn't perceive it as a "crackdown," though I know that's what the Tribune chose to call it.  I saw CPD and CDOT getting out a strong Share the Road message (complete with large banner than said just that) to both motorists and bicyclists.  I didn't see cyclists being singled out at all.  I really wish that language hadn't been chosen; as if bicycling is something that needs to be cracked down upon.
Permalink Reply by Rhea Butcher on June 7, 2011 at 6:02am
I actually started a (frantic) discussion with them this morning. I was mostly run off into parked cars, as happens every morning, due to the "right turn" lane that takes over the whole bike lane. As I talked to them about it (more like freaked out, which if you're reading this CDOT ladies, apologies)a driver pulled up and told them how wrong I was. Fun stuff. Glad there is a protected lane but I do really hope there are plans to put a lane in where it is drastically needed. Read: the entirety of Milwaukee.
Permalink Reply by Melanie K on June 7, 2011 at 6:08am
From what I am reading in the article and the comments here and the Tribune, only one person received a ticket, and that was mainly for not being very polite. Also, I get the impression that the whole "crackdown" was to give the perception that police are enforcing traffic rules, although it seems they are doing so very selectively, such as near the brand new protected bike lane which was just installed. To me, it sounds more like a dog and pony show rather than a true "crackdown".
Permalink Reply by David Barish on June 7, 2011 at 6:39am

I have ridden by the spot Rhea describes but do not remember it.  There is always a challanege when vehicles need to turn right and there is a bike lane.  The bikes and cars have to deal with one another as vehicles will be turning right and we need to be aware that they are coming from our left.  I feel we have the right of way but both have to be acutely aware in these situations.  I say ride and act like you belong but not like you are the only thing on the road. That usually makes the situation go best. We need to be aware tht the protected lane is not an oasis. We are still riding in the real world and , er, sh.  you know, stuff happens.

 

As for the crackdown...Its a sign of Summer.  The weather wasn't enough of a sign?  Its also a sign that bikes are truly part of the fabric of traffic in the city.  We have to deal with them and they have to deal with us.  This is a good thing.

Permalink Reply by Will on June 7, 2011 at 7:30am
Written by car-crazy suburbanites, no doubt.

Cameron Puetz said:
As always with Tribune articles, don't read the comments.
Permalink Reply by jen on June 7, 2011 at 7:32am
Permalink Reply by Minh on June 7, 2011 at 7:41am

From the comments:

 

"I've got a lot of video footage taken while in traffic of these a-holes and what they do.  If you see potential trouble or trouble, video it.

Bike riders should have walled-in lanes where they cannot get out and speed through cars standing at red lights.  It should be mandatory that they ride in those lanes ONLY.  It would be better to just ban them altogether.

As far as the bicyclist lanes in the city goes, bike riders don't use them, they are usually riding directly in front of where your steering wheel is.  And going as slow as they can.

I've seen many bicyclists go from one side of the street to the other, back to the other within seconds, they fly through red lights, not always directly across the intersection, but at right-hand turns, directly in front of speeding city garbage trucks. 

Mayor Rahm, believe us, these bicyclists are out of control and our city government helps pour it on.  Bicyclists are getting a MAJOR free ride - no city stickers (taxes/revenue); no insurance.  No mandatory safety gear. 

Hit them in the pocketbook and they should comply."

Permalink Reply by Davo on June 7, 2011 at 7:52am

those comments are the best. I feel that the majority of them are also the ones who gripe about big government. Make up your minds do you want more regualtions or smaller govt?

 

Permalink Reply by Brian on June 7, 2011 at 7:55am

I saw them at the light as I stopped at the red.  They thanked me for wearing a helmet and stopping.  I told them I was on mile 17 of my commute and didn't have the energy to run the light if I wanted to.  :-)

 

I was secretly wishing they were out offering some water to cyclists on the 98 degree day - I was fried and had run outta water!

 

 

Permalink Reply by Davo on June 7, 2011 at 7:56am

IMO they should have stoped the driver as well and explain to both parties what the rules are regarding your situation.



Rhea Butcher said:

I actually started a (frantic) discussion with them this morning. I was mostly run off into parked cars, as happens every morning, due to the "right turn" lane that takes over the whole bike lane. As I talked to them about it (more like freaked out, which if you're reading this CDOT ladies, apologies)a driver pulled up and told them how wrong I was. Fun stuff. Glad there is a protected lane but I do really hope there are plans to put a lane in where it is drastically needed. Read: the entirety of Milwaukee.
Permalink Reply by 8vPete on June 7, 2011 at 8:51am

That intersection has been part of my commute every work day since October, and this was the first time I've seen any kind of crack down.

It was pretty funny, I semi-legally made the turn from Milwaukee onto Kinzie from the right lane (the left lane was clogged with big trucks) along with 2 other cyclists. Some cop yelled at us to pull over, but I didn't realize this until I was down the block. Daily dosage of deviance! 

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