Motorists, cyclists must share the road

Recent bicycle fatalities in Illinois have unleashed an onslaught of mean-spirited and uninformed remarks about the tragic victims.

Based on the briefest of media accounts and long before law enforcement has even completed the investigations, some observers jump to the conclusion that bicyclist are always at fault.

Their claims: Bicyclists have no right to be on the road. They should stay on sidewalks or bike paths. They shouldn't have been riding in the winter or at night.

They need to be reminded that bicyclists have a legal right to be on the road under Illinois law, just like motor vehicles. Riding on the sidewalk in some communities is illegal and besides, it's unsafe, particularly at intersections. Sidewalks and paths don't always get bicyclists where they need to go and may be snow-covered. And for some, bicycles are their only means of transportation to and from work and elsewhere, no matter the weather.

To be certain, bicyclists have a responsibility to obey all traffic laws, take whatever precautions necessary to protect themselves, including the wearing of helmets, bright and reflective clothing; use hand signals when turning, slowing or stopping and have lights on the front and back of their bicycles for night riding. They should always use good judgment when riding, especially during bad weather.

Motorists have a primary responsibility to operate vehicles in a safe manner at all times. That means obeying traffic laws and speed limits, driving appropriately given road conditions and paying attention for potential hazards. Motorists also have a special responsibility toward bicyclists. Motorists must give riders at least three feet of space when passing, under state law.

Observers should understand all the above before rushing to judgment on who was at fault in a particular incident. In some cases, the bicyclist may be at fault. In others, it may be the motorist. And yet in others, there may be a shared responsibility for what happened. Those law enforcement determinations sometimes come weeks and months after the fatality.

In the meantime, drive and ride responsibly at all times. Our lives depend on it.

Dean Schott

League of Illinois Bicyclists

Aurora