Recumbent bicycles · Public discussion

heads up to Illinois cyclists

Rich Westerman · 2003-03-04T15:33:31+00:00

Subject: Fw: Illiinois Senate Bill 275 alert SAFE BIKING! Amidst all the craziness of world politics these days, there is an Illinois senate bill that hits close to home for me.....if you agree with the following it would be great if you could call your state senator today......(below there's a link below that will help you get contact info for your state senator) Thanks! ---------- Forwarded Message ---------- Folks, As you may have heard, last week's consideration by the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee of SB 275, the bill that fixes the flaws in state law that led to a disastrous state Supreme Court decision almost five years ago, was postponed until tomorrow (Tuesday, March 4). There's still time to lend your support to this measure. This is from the League of Illinois Bicyclists: Senate Bill 275 Action Alert Your help is needed now to pass a bill that affects bicycling conditions throughout Illinois. House Bill 1248 and Senate Bill 275 would correct the negative impacts of the 1998 Illinois Supreme Court Boub vs. Wayne decision, which has been a disaster for on-road cycling in the state. Until the bill gets passed: Towns that want to improve on-road bike safety through signage or bike lanes are penalized with liability, towns that do nothing get immunity; Bicyclists do not have any liability protection, as motorcyclists and motorists do, and bicyclists in other states do; Long-distance bikeways like the Grand Illinois Trail and Mississippi River Trail, and MANY other local plans, are being stalled; We're the only state with this bizarre and powerful disincentive for improving bike safety. On Feb. 20, our House bill won an impressive 13-4-1 victory in the House Judiciary Committee - thanks to lots of calls and faxes from cyclists which swung a number of the votes. On March 4, we face a tough test, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. WE NEED YOUR HELP!! Find out your state senator's phone number at http://www.biketraffic.org/boub_search.html Call and identify yourself as a bicyclist in the district and ask for support of SB275. Use the points above if you wish. It's fine to call and leave a message (or fax) during the weekend or evenings. Please make this very short call and forward this to your biking friends. The voices of individual bicyclists are very important in passing the bill, just as this bill is critical to improving bicycling in the state. THANKS!

Started by Rich Westerman · 4 March 2003 · Last activity 6 March 2003 · 16 posts · 1,109 views

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Original section: Recumbent bicycles
Published: 4 March 2003
Last activity: 6 March 2003
Original author: Rich Westerman
Posts: 16
Discussion status: Public discussion
Total views: 1,109
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Original post
Rich Westerman
Archived post

4 March 2003, 15:33 UTC #1

Subject: Fw: Illiinois Senate Bill 275 alert SAFE BIKING!
Amidst all the craziness of world politics these days, there is an Illinois senate bill that hits
close to home for me.....if you agree with the following it would be great if you could call your
state senator today......(below there's a link below that will help you get contact info for your
state senator) Thanks! ---------- Forwarded Message ----------
Folks, As you may have heard, last week's consideration by the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee
of SB 275, the bill that fixes the flaws in state law that led to a disastrous state Supreme Court
decision almost five years ago, was postponed until tomorrow (Tuesday, March 4). There's still time
to lend your support to this measure.
This is from the League of Illinois Bicyclists: Senate Bill 275 Action Alert Your help is needed now
to pass a bill that affects bicycling conditions throughout Illinois. House Bill 1248 and Senate
Bill 275 would correct the negative impacts of the 1998 Illinois Supreme Court Boub vs. Wayne
decision, which has been a disaster for on-road cycling in the state. Until the bill gets passed:
Towns that want to improve on-road bike safety through signage or bike lanes are penalized with
liability, towns that do nothing get immunity;
Bicyclists do not have any liability protection, as motorcyclists and motorists do, and bicyclists
in other states do;
Long-distance bikeways like the Grand Illinois Trail and Mississippi River Trail, and MANY other
local plans, are being stalled;
We're the only state with this bizarre and powerful disincentive for improving bike safety.
On Feb. 20, our House bill won an impressive 13-4-1 victory in the House Judiciary Committee -
thanks to lots of calls and faxes from cyclists which swung a number of the votes.
On March 4, we face a tough test, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
Find out your state senator's phone number at biketraffic.orgboub search.html Call and
identify yourself as a bicyclist in the district and ask for support of SB275. Use the points above
if you wish. It's fine to call and leave a message (or fax) during the weekend or evenings.
Please make this very short call and forward this to your biking friends. The voices of individual
bicyclists are very important in passing the bill, just as this bill is critical to improving
bicycling in the state. THANKS!

Report
Doug Huffman
Archived post

4 March 2003, 16:19 UTC #2

Signs and lanes are lieberal and feel good salves. They do NOTHING for safety. Do you believe that a
motorist can't ignore a sign or can't cross a painted stripe? Sheeeesh!
Read, understand and practice the vehicular cycling of Effective Cycling by John Forester. Keep your
do-nothing, know nothing, do gooder illogic to yourselves.
This stuff does not belong here. Read and discuss this stuff on [email hidden]
"Rich Westerman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Subject: Fw: Illiinois Senate Bill 275 alert SAFE BIKING!
Amidst all the craziness of world politics these days, there is an

Illinois
Quoted message said:
senate bill that hits close to home for me.....if you agree with the following it would be great
if you could call your state senator today......(below there's a link below that will help you get
contact info for your state senator) Thanks! ---------- Forwarded Message ----------
Folks, As you may have heard, last week's consideration by the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee
of SB 275, the bill that fixes the flaws in state law that led to a disastrous state Supreme Court
decision almost five years ago, was postponed until tomorrow (Tuesday, March 4). There's still
time to lend your support to this measure.
This is from the League of Illinois Bicyclists: Senate Bill 275 Action Alert Your help is needed
now to pass a bill that affects bicycling conditions throughout Illinois. House Bill 1248 and
Senate Bill 275 would correct the negative impacts of the 1998 Illinois Supreme Court Boub vs.
Wayne decision, which has been a disaster for on-road cycling in the state. Until the bill gets
passed: Towns that want to improve on-road bike safety through signage or bike lanes are penalized
with liability, towns that do nothing get immunity;
Bicyclists do not have any liability protection, as motorcyclists and motorists do, and bicyclists
in other states do;
Long-distance bikeways like the Grand Illinois Trail and Mississippi River Trail, and MANY other
local plans, are being stalled;
We're the only state with this bizarre and powerful disincentive for improving bike safety.
On Feb. 20, our House bill won an impressive 13-4-1 victory in the House Judiciary Committee -
thanks to lots of calls and faxes from cyclists which swung a number of the votes.
On March 4, we face a tough test, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
Find out your state senator's phone number at biketraffic.orgboub search.html Call and
identify yourself as a bicyclist in the district and ask for support of SB275. Use the points
above if you wish. It's fine to call and leave a message (or fax) during the weekend or evenings.
Please make this very short call and forward this to your biking friends. The voices of individual
bicyclists are very important in passing the bill, just as this bill is critical to improving
bicycling in the state. THANKS!

Report
John W
Archived post

4 March 2003, 17:18 UTC #3

Do you live in Illinois? I do and like Rich said we have had to put up with this garbage for 5
years! What do you mean this does not belong here? It has everything to do with bicycling, it sure
is not OT. Communities in Illinois do not want bicyclist riding on their streets because of the
Boub decision, they do not want to be liable. Where do you get off being negative to something
that will benefit every cyclist in Illinois. Once again do you live in Illinois? If not you have
no right speaking for any Illinois cyclist. It seems like you have no clue as to what is going on
in Illinois.
John
"Doug Huffman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Signs and lanes are lieberal and feel good salves. They do NOTHING for safety. Do you believe that
a motorist can't ignore a sign or can't cross

a
Quoted message said:
painted stripe? Sheeeesh!
Read, understand and practice the vehicular cycling of Effective Cycling

by
Quoted message said:
John Forester. Keep your do-nothing, know nothing, do gooder illogic to yourselves.
This stuff does not belong here. Read and discuss this stuff on [email hidden]
"Rich Westerman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Subject: Fw: Illiinois Senate Bill 275 alert SAFE BIKING!
Amidst all the craziness of world politics these days, there is an

Illinois
Quoted message said:
senate bill that hits close to home for me.....if you agree with the following it would be great
if you could call your state senator today......(below there's a link below that will help you
get contact

info
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
for your state senator) Thanks! ---------- Forwarded Message ----------
Folks, As you may have heard, last week's consideration by the Illinois Senate Judiciary
Committee of SB 275, the bill that fixes the flaws in state law that led to a disastrous state
Supreme Court decision almost five years ago, was postponed until tomorrow (Tuesday, March 4).
There's still time to lend your support to this measure.
This is from the League of Illinois Bicyclists: Senate Bill 275 Action Alert Your help is needed
now to pass a bill that affects bicycling conditions throughout Illinois. House Bill 1248 and
Senate Bill 275 would correct the negative impacts of the 1998 Illinois Supreme Court Boub vs.
Wayne decision, which has been a disaster for on-road cycling in the state. Until the bill gets
passed: Towns that want to improve on-road bike safety through signage or bike lanes are
penalized with liability, towns that do nothing get immunity;
Bicyclists do not have any liability protection, as motorcyclists and motorists do, and
bicyclists in other states do;
Long-distance bikeways like the Grand Illinois Trail and Mississippi River Trail, and MANY other
local plans, are being stalled;
We're the only state with this bizarre and powerful disincentive for improving bike safety.
On Feb. 20, our House bill won an impressive 13-4-1 victory in the House Judiciary Committee -
thanks to lots of calls and faxes from cyclists which swung a number of the votes.
On March 4, we face a tough test, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
Find out your state senator's phone number at biketraffic.orgboub search.html Call
and identify yourself as a bicyclist in the district and ask for support of SB275. Use the
points above if you wish. It's fine to call and leave a message (or fax) during the weekend or
evenings.
Please make this very short call and forward this to your biking friends. The voices of
individual bicyclists are very important in passing the bill, just as this bill is critical to
improving bicycling in the state. THANKS!

Report
Steve Baker
Archived post

4 March 2003, 18:48 UTC #4

"Doug Huffman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
Signs and lanes are lieberal and feel good salves. They do NOTHING for safety. Do you believe that
a motorist can't ignore a sign or can't cross a painted stripe? Sheeeesh!
Read, understand and practice the vehicular cycling of Effective Cycling by John Forester. Keep
your do-nothing, know nothing, do gooder illogic to yourselves.
This stuff does not belong here. Read and discuss this stuff on [email hidden]
I respectfully beg to differ. Illinois riders and municipalities who wish to accomodate them face
significant challenges as a result of the "Boub" decision. This bill will eliminate the liabilities
that Boub established and allow progress on some very important projects. It has nothing to do with
"liberal feel-good salves...". I'd suggest that you become a bit better informed before blasting
other posters.
I'll be making that call.
Steve Baker

Report
Doug Huffman
Archived post

4 March 2003, 18:49 UTC #5

Are you so provincial that you think cyclists' rights are under assault only in your backyard? Get a
life. Address the issues that I raised and not your dislike of conservatism.
If I've no right to speak on ill issues then why did you post to an international forum. Are you
whining? Get a life.
"John W" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Do you live in Illinois? I do and like Rich said we have had to put up

with
Quoted message said:
this garbage for 5 years! What do you mean this does not belong here? It

has
Quoted message said:
everything to do with bicycling, it sure is not OT. Communities in

Illinois
Quoted message said:
do not want bicyclist riding on their streets because of the Boub

decision,
Quoted message said:
they do not want to be liable. Where do you get off being negative to something that will benefit
every cyclist in Illinois. Once again do you live in Illinois? If not you have no right speaking
for any Illinois cyclist. It seems like you have no clue as to what is going on in

Illinois.
Quoted message said:

John
"Doug Huffman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Signs and lanes are lieberal and feel good salves. They do NOTHING for safety. Do you believe
that a motorist can't ignore a sign or can't

cross
Quoted message said:
a
Quoted message said:
painted stripe? Sheeeesh!
Read, understand and practice the vehicular cycling of Effective Cycling

by
Quoted message said:
John Forester. Keep your do-nothing, know nothing, do gooder illogic to yourselves.
This stuff does not belong here. Read and discuss this stuff on [email hidden]
"Rich Westerman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Subject: Fw: Illiinois Senate Bill 275 alert SAFE BIKING!
Amidst all the craziness of world politics these days, there is an

Illinois
Quoted message said:
senate bill that hits close to home for me.....if you agree with the following it would be
great if you could call your state senator today......(below there's a link below that will
help you get contact

info
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
for your state senator) Thanks! ---------- Forwarded Message ----------
Folks, As you may have heard, last week's consideration by the Illinois

Senate
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Judiciary Committee of SB 275, the bill that fixes the flaws in state law that led to a
disastrous state Supreme Court decision almost five years ago, was postponed until tomorrow
(Tuesday, March 4). There's still time to lend your support to this measure.
This is from the League of Illinois Bicyclists: Senate Bill 275 Action Alert Your help is
needed now to pass a bill that affects bicycling

conditions
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
throughout Illinois. House Bill 1248 and Senate Bill 275 would correct the negative impacts of
the 1998 Illinois Supreme Court Boub vs. Wayne decision, which has been a disaster for on-road
cycling in the state. Until the bill gets passed: Towns that want to improve on-road bike
safety through signage or bike lanes are penalized with liability, towns that do nothing get

immunity;
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:

Bicyclists do not have any liability protection, as motorcyclists and motorists do, and
bicyclists in other states do;
Long-distance bikeways like the Grand Illinois Trail and Mississippi River Trail, and MANY
other local plans, are being stalled;
We're the only state with this bizarre and powerful disincentive for improving bike safety.
On Feb. 20, our House bill won an impressive 13-4-1 victory in the

House
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Judiciary Committee - thanks to lots of calls and faxes from cyclists which swung a number of
the votes.
On March 4, we face a tough test, in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

WE
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
NEED YOUR HELP!!
Find out your state senator's phone number at biketraffic.orgboub search.html Call
and identify yourself as a bicyclist in the district and ask for support of SB275. Use the
points above if you wish. It's fine to call and leave a message (or

fax)
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
during the weekend or evenings.
Please make this very short call and forward this to your biking friends. The voices of
individual bicyclists are very important in passing the bill, just as this bill is critical to
improving bicycling in the state. THANKS!

Report
Randy & Pam Hof
Archived post

4 March 2003, 19:32 UTC #6

You should note that the original post stated "Heads up Illinois Cyclists". If it doesn't pertain to
you why inject all the venom? This is a public forum and I'm sure we are capable of more tolerance
than this. If it offends you don't read it, skip over it. Such a venomous response suggests a bad
case of cabin fever. "Doug Huffman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Signs and lanes are lieberal and feel good salves. They do NOTHING for safety. Do you believe that
a motorist can't ignore a sign or can't cross

a
Quoted message said:
painted stripe? Sheeeesh!
Read, understand and practice the vehicular cycling of Effective Cycling

by
Quoted message said:
John Forester. Keep your do-nothing, know nothing, do gooder illogic to yourselves.
This stuff does not belong here. Read and discuss this stuff on [email hidden]

Report
John W
Archived post

4 March 2003, 19:47 UTC #7

Its obvious you know nothing of the issue in Illinois and you are just out to start a flame war. I
am not going to get into a flame war with you. Personally I could care less what you think. You get
a life!!!!!!!
John
"Doug Huffman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Are you so provincial that you think cyclists' rights are under assault

only
Quoted message said:
in your backyard? Get a life. Address the issues that I raised and not your dislike of
conservatism.
If I've no right to speak on ill issues then why did you post to an international forum. Are you
whining? Get a life.
"John W" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Do you live in Illinois? I do and like Rich said we have had to put up

with
Quoted message said:
this garbage for 5 years! What do you mean this does not belong here? It

has
Quoted message said:
everything to do with bicycling, it sure is not OT. Communities in

Illinois
Quoted message said:
do not want bicyclist riding on their streets because of the Boub

decision,
Quoted message said:
they do not want to be liable. Where do you get off being negative to something that will
benefit every cyclist in Illinois. Once again do you live in Illinois? If not you have no right
speaking for any Illinois cyclist. It seems like you have no clue as to what is going on in

Illinois.
Quoted message said:

John
"Doug Huffman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Signs and lanes are lieberal and feel good salves. They do NOTHING

for
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
safety. Do you believe that a motorist can't ignore a sign or can't

cross
Quoted message said:
a
Quoted message said:
painted stripe? Sheeeesh!
Read, understand and practice the vehicular cycling of Effective

Cycling
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
by
Quoted message said:
John Forester. Keep your do-nothing, know nothing, do gooder illogic

to
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
yourselves.
This stuff does not belong here. Read and discuss this stuff on [email hidden]
"Rich Westerman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
>
>
> Subject: Fw: Illiinois Senate Bill 275 alert SAFE BIKING!
>
> Amidst all the craziness of world politics these days, there is an
Illinois
> senate bill that hits close to home for me.....if you agree with the following it would be
> great if you could call your state senator today......(below there's a link below that will
> help you get

contact
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
info
Quoted message said:
> for your state senator) Thanks! ---------- Forwarded Message ----------
>
> Folks, As you may have heard, last week's consideration by the Illinois

Senate
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
> Judiciary Committee of SB 275, the bill that fixes the flaws in

state
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
> law that led to a disastrous state Supreme Court decision almost

five
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
> years ago, was postponed until tomorrow (Tuesday, March 4). There's still time to lend your
> support to this measure.
>
> This is from the League of Illinois Bicyclists: Senate Bill 275 Action Alert Your help is
> needed now to pass a bill that affects bicycling

conditions
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
> throughout Illinois. House Bill 1248 and Senate Bill 275 would

correct
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
> the negative impacts of the 1998 Illinois Supreme Court Boub vs.

Wayne
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
> decision, which has been a disaster for on-road cycling in the

state.
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
> Until the bill gets passed: Towns that want to improve on-road bike safety through signage
> or

bike
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
> lanes are penalized with liability, towns that do nothing get

immunity;
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
>
> Bicyclists do not have any liability protection, as motorcyclists

and
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
> motorists do, and bicyclists in other states do;
>
> Long-distance bikeways like the Grand Illinois Trail and Mississippi River Trail, and MANY
> other local plans, are being stalled;
>
> We're the only state with this bizarre and powerful disincentive for improving bike safety.
>
> On Feb. 20, our House bill won an impressive 13-4-1 victory in the

House
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
> Judiciary Committee - thanks to lots of calls and faxes from

cyclists
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
> which swung a number of the votes.
>
> On March 4, we face a tough test, in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

WE
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
> NEED YOUR HELP!!
>
> Find out your state senator's phone number at biketraffic.orgboub search.html
> Call and identify yourself as a bicyclist in the district and ask for support of SB275. Use
> the points above if you wish. It's fine to call and leave a message (or

fax)
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
> during the weekend or evenings.
>
> Please make this very short call and forward this to your biking friends. The voices of
> individual bicyclists are very important in passing the bill, just as this bill is critical
> to improving

bicycling
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
> in the state. THANKS!
>
>

Report
Devon
Archived post

4 March 2003, 22:03 UTC #8

"Doug Huffman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
Signs and lanes are lieberal and feel good salves. They do NOTHING for safety. Do you believe that
a motorist can't ignore a sign or can't cross a painted stripe? Sheeeesh!
Read, understand and practice the vehicular cycling of Effective Cycling by John Forester. Keep
your do-nothing, know nothing, do gooder illogic to yourselves.
This stuff does not belong here. Read and discuss this stuff on [email hidden]
There definitely is some irrationality being exhibited, but I'm afraid Rich is not the culprit.
As a recumbent enthusiast, I tend to spend my internet time browsing recumbent-specific sites.
Nonetheless I am VERY concerned about the illogical and often mean-spirited attempts of some
legislators to restrict cycling.
While it may not be the case everywhere, I know many traffic departments give careful thought to the
selection of bike routes based on low traffic, wide shoulders, etc. I find the marking of lanes and
routes is helpful to me in selecting a route from point A to point B.
Certainly I am outraged when legislators/judges declare open-season on cyclists.
Thanks for the post, Rich. If I were an Illinois citizen I would absolutely contact my legislators.
DeVon

Report
Larry Varney
Archived post

5 March 2003, 00:34 UTC #9

Nothing is perfect. A stop sign cannot make someone stop, but most people would not think of them as
"liberal and feel good salves". And, while the cited message is not strictly about recumbent
bicycles, it "belongs" here at least as much as many other messages, and is far more enjoyable and
beneficial than most. Of course, it doesn't come close to the do-something, know-everything,
do-gooder logic of carrying guns on bikes. But perhaps some might think that *that* topic belongs on
[email hidden]. What do you think?
Doug Huffman said:
Signs and lanes are lieberal and feel good salves. They do NOTHING for safety. Do you believe that
a motorist can't ignore a sign or can't cross a painted stripe? Sheeeesh!
Read, understand and practice the vehicular cycling of Effective Cycling by John Forester. Keep
your do-nothing, know nothing, do gooder illogic to yourselves.
This stuff does not belong here. Read and discuss this stuff on [email hidden]
"Rich Westerman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:

Subject: Fw: Illiinois Senate Bill 275 alert SAFE BIKING!
Amidst all the craziness of world politics these days, there is an

Illinois
Quoted message said:
senate bill that hits close to home for me.....if you agree with the following it would be great
if you could call your state senator today......(below there's a link below that will help you get
contact info for your state senator) Thanks! ---------- Forwarded Message ----------
Folks, As you may have heard, last week's consideration by the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee
of SB 275, the bill that fixes the flaws in state law that led to a disastrous state Supreme Court
decision almost five years ago, was postponed until tomorrow (Tuesday, March 4). There's still
time to lend your support to this measure.
This is from the League of Illinois Bicyclists: Senate Bill 275 Action Alert Your help is needed
now to pass a bill that affects bicycling conditions throughout Illinois. House Bill 1248 and
Senate Bill 275 would correct the negative impacts of the 1998 Illinois Supreme Court Boub vs.
Wayne decision, which has been a disaster for on-road cycling in the state. Until the bill gets
passed: Towns that want to improve on-road bike safety through signage or bike lanes are penalized
with liability, towns that do nothing get immunity;
Bicyclists do not have any liability protection, as motorcyclists and motorists do, and bicyclists
in other states do;
Long-distance bikeways like the Grand Illinois Trail and Mississippi River Trail, and MANY other
local plans, are being stalled;
We're the only state with this bizarre and powerful disincentive for improving bike safety.
On Feb. 20, our House bill won an impressive 13-4-1 victory in the House Judiciary Committee -
thanks to lots of calls and faxes from cyclists which swung a number of the votes.
On March 4, we face a tough test, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
Find out your state senator's phone number at biketraffic.orgboub search.html Call and
identify yourself as a bicyclist in the district and ask for support of SB275. Use the points
above if you wish. It's fine to call and leave a message (or fax) during the weekend or evenings.
Please make this very short call and forward this to your biking friends. The voices of individual
bicyclists are very important in passing the bill, just as this bill is critical to improving
bicycling in the state. THANKS!
--
Larry Varney Cold Spring, KY home.fuse.netlarryvarney

Report
Harv
Archived post

5 March 2003, 01:18 UTC #10

Doug, why are you always so grumpy? Fixing a judicial ruling that makes bicyclists second class road
users is probably a good thing. The bill would require roads to be safe for their intended users,
and bicycles not be excluded. This is an unmoderated forum and this 'stuff' looks on topic to
me.
snip>
Quoted message said:
Doug Huffman said:
Signs and lanes are lieberal and feel good salves. They do NOTHING for safety. Do you believe
that a motorist can't ignore a sign or can't

cross a
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
painted stripe? Sheeeesh!
Read, understand and practice the vehicular cycling of Effective Cycling

by
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
John Forester. Keep your do-nothing, know nothing, do gooder illogic to yourselves.
This stuff does not belong here. Read and discuss this stuff on [email hidden]

snip

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Harryo
Archived post

5 March 2003, 01:34 UTC #11

"Doug Huffman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
Signs and lanes are lieberal and feel good salves. They do NOTHING for safety. Do you believe that
a motorist can't ignore a sign or can't cross a painted stripe? Sheeeesh!
Read, understand and practice the vehicular cycling of Effective Cycling by John Forester. Keep
your do-nothing, know nothing, do gooder illogic to yourselves.
This stuff does not belong here. Read and discuss this stuff on [email hidden]
First, let me say that anything that has to do with bicyclists legal rights, anywhere, is on topic
and belongs in this newsgroup. As someone already pointed out, the original post was clearly titled
for the attention of Illinois cyclists, so if that was not of interest to you, why did you read it
and then post your worthless babble?
Secondly, from your posts, it is quite obvious that you have no idea what the Illinois Supreme
Court decision in the Boub vs Wayne Township case was even about and why the consequences of that
decision are important for all cyclists in the US, not just Illinois. Simply put, that decision
made a cyclist, on an Illinois road, a second class citizen. As a result of the decision, a
cyclist on an Illinois road in not an "intended" user of that road and, therefore, if injured
because of road conditions caused by negligence, has no legal recourse to recover damages unless
they are on a signed bike route or painted bike lane. However, any motor vehicle operator can do
so. In other words, in Illinois, the roads are "intended" for motor vehicles, not bicycles.
Cyclists can use the roads but can not expect the same legal rights as a motor vehicle operator.
As far as I know, Illinois is the only state in the US to take this position. A pretty dangerous
precedent, don't you think?
If you would care to educate yourself before making further uninformed posts, you can do a search on
any of the search engines and find many sources of more information on this subject, including the
details of the Boub vs Wayne Township litigation case that resulted in this whole mess. I believe
that almost every user of this newsgroup, except maybe yourself, would understand that this is about
cyclists having the same legal rights, on public roads and streets, as motor vehicle operators and
therefore, is worthy of discussion on this group.
Harry Jiles

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Dave Larrington
Archived post

5 March 2003, 11:31 UTC #12

Really, John, pay attention! It's not on the subject of cars, guns, politics or whatever Mr. Huffman
currently has a bee in his bonnet over, so it must perforce be OT. Tch!
Dave Larrington - legslarry.crosswinds.netlegslarry.crosswinds.net
===========================================================
Editor - British Human Power Club Newsletter
bhpc.org.ukbhpc.org.uk
===========================================================

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Jon Meinecke
Archived post

5 March 2003, 14:01 UTC #13

Rich Westerman said:
Subject: Fw: Illiinois Senate Bill 275 alert SAFE BIKING!
Amidst all the craziness of world politics these days, there is an Illinois senate bill that hits
close to home for me.....
Can you summarize the court case and the proposed remedy?
It sounds like a court ruling said that cities that post bike route signs may be the target of civil
damage suits,-- for instance, if a cyclist is hurt on a so marked route,-- while cities that do not
post such signs have some level of immunity.
This does seem a "through the looking glass"...
It is important to keep informed of various state/provencial laws regarding bikes. What starts in
one area often spreads, including by judicial precedence.
Jon Meinecke net.subtle-apteryx

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John W
Archived post

5 March 2003, 18:17 UTC #14

Jon,
This website explains it all: bikelib.orgboubmenu.html
In a nutshell because of the Boub ruling bicycles are longer considered vehicles in Illinois and
thus are not afforded the rights and privileges other road users have that are considered vehicles
(such as automobiles). You can see why Illinois bicyclists are up in arms over this ruling.
John
"Jon Meinecke" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Rich Westerman said:
Subject: Fw: Illiinois Senate Bill 275 alert SAFE BIKING!
Amidst all the craziness of world politics these days, there is an

Illinois
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
senate bill that hits close to home for me.....
Can you summarize the court case and the proposed remedy?
It sounds like a court ruling said that cities that post bike route signs may be the target of
civil damage suits,-- for instance, if a cyclist is hurt on a so marked route,-- while cities that
do not post such signs have some level of immunity.
This does seem a "through the looking glass"...
It is important to keep informed of various state/provencial laws regarding bikes. What starts in
one area often spreads, including by judicial precedence.
Jon Meinecke net.subtle-apteryx

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Harv
Archived post

6 March 2003, 00:47 UTC #15

If you destroy a car wheel in a huge pothole in Illinois, you might be able to get some remedy from
the appropriate agency with 'ownership' of that piece of roadway. If you destroy a bike a wheel and
injure yourself in the resulting fall, it's tough [censored], pal. That's one reason (IMO) the legislation
is important. "Jon Meinecke" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Rich Westerman said:
Subject: Fw: Illiinois Senate Bill 275 alert SAFE BIKING!
Amidst all the craziness of world politics these days, there is an

Illinois
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
senate bill that hits close to home for me.....
Can you summarize the court case and the proposed remedy?
It sounds like a court ruling said that cities that post bike route signs may be the target of
civil damage suits,-- for instance, if a cyclist is hurt on a so marked route,-- while cities that
do not post such signs have some level of immunity.
This does seem a "through the looking glass"...
It is important to keep informed of various state/provencial laws regarding bikes. What starts in
one area often spreads, including by judicial precedence.
Jon Meinecke net.subtle-apteryx

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Harryo
Archived post

6 March 2003, 05:04 UTC #16

Jon Meinecke <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:

Can you summarize the court case and the proposed remedy?
It sounds like a court ruling said that cities that post bike route signs may be the target of
civil damage suits,-- for instance, if a cyclist is hurt on a so marked route,-- while cities that
do not post such signs have some level of immunity.
You can find the actual Illinois Appellate Court ruling of this case at:
state.il.us2961249.txt
You can find the results and implications of the Illinois Supreme Court ruling upholding the
Appellate Court decision and how the current proposed legislation would remedy this at:
biketraffic.orgjustice.htm
Harry Jiles

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