In Illinois, a bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle and cyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities as the operators of other vehicles. This concept is normally pretty logical to a cyclist, but it’s important for all of us to understand this logic.
If we aren’t sure of our rights it’s really hard to defend them. So let’s start there. When we ride our bikes on a roadway, the bike is a vehicle, and as the operator, we have the right to use the road. No matter what our purpose - commuting, fun and recreation, or whatever.
Cyclists earned this legal status long ago – even before the first automobiles started using the roads. In the late 19th century the roads were rutted, uneven, and muddy. The Good Roads Movement came about after the formation in 1880 of the American Wheelman, which later became the League of American Bicyclists. With cyclists leading the way, many roads were paved.
These and other early efforts established bicycles as vehicles, giving cyclists equal rights and duties When automobiles became more prevalent, the principles that had been developed were adapted to include them. As time went on, and the automobile became the predominate vehicle, traffic laws were expanded, often in ways that favored the automobile.
Today, as in the past, cyclist’s rights to the road are frequently challenged. Some communities actually ban bicycles from roads despite our rights. Law enforcement, many times fail to protect us, and I have even heard of attempts to remove us from the roads - despite our rights. And many times motorists will assault cyclists in various ways in efforts to enforce laws that don’t exist. Even with all of this, we cyclists still exercise our right to the road.
As more people take up cycling, public acceptance of our rights will grow – assuming cyclists understand their rights. Knowledge is an essential step. The Warrenville Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission has developed and received unanimous City Council approval for a Bikeway Implementation Plan. Implementing this plan will require considerable public support. We need to remember our responsibilities as cyclists or as the driver of a motor vehicle.
Too often we find cyclists moving through our community who either don’t know their responsibilities as a cyclist, or just don’t care. Groups on rides have reportedly failed to yield to motorist in a number of ways. Illinois law requires that cyclists ride no more than two abreast, and that they do not impede the normal movement of vehicular traffic. Warrenville Police have been asked to watch for such violations. On the other side, many laws protect the responsible cyclists, such at the recent 3 foot passing law. Let’s all be part of the solution by being responsible whether on our bikes on in our automobiles. Share the Road.