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Pyke: Is it illegal to ride your bike on a sidewalk?

Why do bicyclists hog sidewalks? What's being done with the cash CN Railway provided for safety improvements on the EJ&E? How long does it take for the state to mow weeds on the Eisenhower Expressway?

So glad you asked. This week's column features our popular Reader Q and A. First up to bat is Nancy Johnson of Elgin, who is aghast at “the lack of concern for pedestrians and for the law” shown by adult and teenage bicycle riders.

“I am often outside walking along the sidewalk adjacent to a wooded area near my home and am frequently approached by teenagers and adults riding bikes on the sidewalk,” Johnson wrote.

“They make no attempt to move to the side, usually riding right at me or coming up from behind me with no warning whatsoever. My dogs are startled, particularly when someone comes from behind, and sometimes lunge at the bike.”

Nancy wanted clarification about laws about cyclists on sidewalks and the Active Transportation Alliance's Ted Villaire obliged.

“Laws about riding bikes on sidewalks differ from town to town,” Villaire said. “Many Chicagoland municipalities — including Elgin — don't have laws on the books about bicycling on sidewalks.

“And there are no state laws that address this. The city of Chicago allows kids 12 and younger to ride on sidewalks, except in business districts. “People riding bikes on sidewalks should always remember that sidewalks are designed for pedestrians and you should act like a good guest by yielding to people on foot and riding at walking speeds or simply dismounting. When approaching a pedestrian from behind, let the person know that you're there by saying ‘on your left' or something similar.”

• John Wszolek wants to know what (beside installing a chain-link fence by the high school) Lake Zurich has done with the $1.9 million CN Railway gave it for safety improvements after merging with the EJ&E Railroad.

“Going from two trains (a day) with EJ&E to multiple longer and noisier trains” is no fun, he reports.

Village Manager Jason Slowinski replied that Lake Zurich “has installed a sound wall in an impacted residential area as well as implemented a noise mitigation program for eligible residents residing near the CN railroad tracks. The NMP is a reimbursement program for home improvements, such as window and door replacements, designed to mitigate the increased noise levels from the railroad.”

• In Arlington Heights, Bonnie Krause said her husband “loved riding his bike back and forth to the train station.” But “over time, his bike basket was stolen, the seat was stolen, and last month, someone took the bike.” What's being done to keep bikes safe? she asked.

Arlington Heights police Capt. Mike Hernandez said the village does take bike theft seriously and beefed up camera surveillance at the station. Officers also work with victims and labeled bike racks to try to pinpoint when and where crimes occurred.

So far, it's working, Hernandez said. Bike thefts at the station rose in 2013 to 10 compared to five in 2012.

But as of Friday, only four bikes had been snatched this year.

• Meanwhile, Raymond Bellock of Elgin is curious about Amtrak service to Rockford. Passenger service between Rockford and Chicago is expected to restart in 2015 after a 34-year hiatus.

The route will use Metra's Milwaukee District West Line tracks and link up with the Union Pacific in Elgin.

The Illinois Department of Transportation's Guy Tridgell reports Amtrak will pick up passengers at stations in Elgin, Huntley and Belvidere.

“IDOT is working with each of those communities to determine the exact locations,” Tridgell said. In Elgin, the choice is between the Chicago Street or National Street stations.

• Lastly, one reader wanted to know why IDOT is dragging its feet on mowing sky-high weeds along the Eisenhower.

Tridgell said it takes a while. For example, IDOT began mowing in the outbound direction between Route 83 and the Loop on June 24 and didn't complete it until the end of August. The state uses a contractor, McGinty Brothers Inc., for the inbound direction.

Got a question or opinion? Drop me a line at mpyke@dailyherald.com

Gridlock alert

• Expect the unexpected on Route 72 in Hampshire with lane closures between French Road and the DeKalb County line. IDOT is installing a rumble strip and guardrails. Work will wrap up Nov. 30.

• And if you're planning a trip to the CTA's California station on the Blue Line O'Hare Branch — don't. The station is closed through Oct. 16 for renovations. Shuttle buses will operate between stations.

Pull away from the gate

Ever wanted to defy the laws of physics? Get your chance at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 27 at O'Hare International Airport. A UPS Airbus A300, weighing in at 180,000 pounds, awaits your muscle. The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Plane Pull raises money for Special Olympics. To join a team, go to http://soill.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=500.

Upcoming

Looking for some excitement Wednesday night? You're in luck. State Rep. Elaine Nekritz hosts a town-hall meeting on the proposed Route 53 extension. The fun runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive in Buffalo Grove.

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