Illinois Senate Bill Seeks Added Protection For Bicyclists

A bill has been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly that would penalize drivers who recklessly endanger the health and safety of bicyclists. Senate Bill 1916 was introduced in February, 2009 by Senator William Delgado (D) of Chicago's 2nd District. Its purpose is to amend section 5/12-5 of the criminal code expanding penalties for reckless conduct to persons "who, while operating a motor vehicle, cause bodily harm to or endanger the bodily safety of a vulnerable user of the public way," including bicyclists on Illinois roads. Reckless conduct in Illinois is that which shows a conscious disregard for the safety and well-being of another. The bill proposes that a motorist's reckless conduct that causes great bodily harm or permanent disability to a bicyclist be considered a class 4 felony. The violator may be subject to a fine of up to $10,000.

Were this bill to become law, the General Assembly would be sending a strong message to motorists that they must be especially vigilant of the safety and well-being of bicyclists, and other vulnerable users of Illinois roads.

Amendment To Law Protects Illinois Bicyclists And Pedestrians

On August 11th, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law an amendment to the Crime Victims Compensation Act providing compensation for bicyclists and pedestrians injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident. The Act allows for a victim, or anyone dependent upon the victim, to receive compensation for for pecuniary loss or support caused by a "crime of violence." Violations of portions of the Illinois Motor Vehicle code are now considered crimes of violence under the amendment where they cause injury or death to a pedestrian or bicyclist. Compensation under the Act is permitted only after other sources of compensation, i.e. insurance or governmental benefits, if any, have been exhausted. There are also certain reporting requirements in the Act that need to be followed. The Amendment to the Act is effective immediately. To read the Act click here.

This is an important and welcome recognition that vehicular crimes against bicyclists and pedestrians are a very serious matter. Such incidents are all too common on Illinois roads and they often impart significant financial, as well as physical and emotional, consequences to victims.

For more information about the crime victims compensation program visit the Illinois Attorney General's website by clicking here.