Bicycle and pedestrian advocacy prevails in Springfield

We did it! Our relentless fight in Springfield paid off, and your support is what made the difference. You phone calls and support have resulted in important laws that protect pedestrians and bicyclists in our communities.

We have been on the phone, down in Springfield, and out in your community garnering support for these important laws. Here is what you helped us bring home.

Must stop for pedestrians (HB 43)
This was a nail-biter, and your phone calls and emails made the difference. Drivers will be required to come to a complete stop for all pedestrians in all crosswalks – even the ones without a stop sign. Illinois joins about a dozen other states with similar legislation that clarifies driver responsibilities and also makes it easier for police enforcement.

Rep. Arroyo and Sen. Steans championed for this important measure. Pediatricians at the Metropolitan Planning Council and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police also lent their support. Special recognition goes to the Curie Metropolitan High School students who traveled from Chicago to Springfield and secured co-sponsors and the support needed to pass this bill.

“Crosswalk” defined
Crosswalks can be at an intersection and in the middle of a block, either marked with paint or not marked at all. Here are the different types. HB 43 requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in all of ‘em. Read the legal description of crosswalks here.

• Signalized: These are crosswalks at stop signs and traffic signals.
• Unsignalized: These are crosswalks that don’t have a stop sign or traffic signal. They are also referred to as “mid-block crosswalks.”
• Marked: These are the crosswalks you can see. Painted lines on the road designate their location.
• Unmarked: Not all crosswalks are marked with paint. The law is filled with jargon (see below), but simply put, a crosswalk is present whenever a sidewalk leads into the street.

Red light cameras (SB 935)
After much debate, the Illinois General Assembly settled on a measure that protects municipalities’ right to use red light cameras and also requires a second independent review of all citations. This measure will continue to allow communities to use these important traffic safety tools and also safeguard against inappropriate ticketing.

Bicycle Harassment (SB 2951)
It’s now a crime to drive too close, toward or near cyclists and pedestrians. It gives legislators and community leaders another tool to ensure all road users’ safety. Thank you to Sen. Silverstein and Rep. Sente for sponsoring this bill.

Lowering speed limits (SB 2804)
Many suburban communities will now have the authority to lower speed limits on residential streets from 35 mph to 25 mph. This means safer streets for children, seniors and anyone else who wants to use the road. This bill received overwhelming bipartisan support. Thank you!

The Illinois General Assembly also passed a few others that mean good things for bicyclists and pedestrians.

• SB 3803: Allows for roadside memorials for victims of distracted driving
• HB 5095: Clarifies that people with disabilities have the right to full use of the roads and sidewalks
• HR 1090: Declares April to be Distracted Driving Awareness Month
• HR 871: Urges government bodies to increase their Share the Road outreach

You turned our voice into a roar, and Springfield heard it! There has never been a more important time to support biking, walking and transit in Illinois. Thank you!