I see cyclists riding their bikes the wrong way on one-way streets. Others “blow” stop signs. Still other riders cross busy roads and highways against the light, and groups of riders frequently take up half the road. Not only are these actions against the rules, but they are all very dangerous.
No matter how much you ride, be it once a year or every day, you should know the rules. So get a copy of Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road today.
While I am on my soapbox, let me express a few thoughts about aggressive motorists. I have covered this topic before, but since I hear this complaint from bicyclists all the time, it is appropriate to examine some of factors that create aggressive motorists.
If you watch TV or read magazines, you have seen the automobile ads. The advertising industry and the carmakers have to accept a large part of the blame for aggressive driving. Their commercials very well may be responsible for the deaths of a number of cyclists.
One ad depicts a dark, sinister looking new car with a clouded caption. “The civilized way to handle your aggressions.” I don’t know how you might interpret that statement. It appears to say, “Get in your car and drive like h___.! You own the road and beware anyone who gets in your way”.
This is just one example. I am sure you can think of numerous other auto commercials and ads that send out a similar message.
(If you would like to participate in this column, simply send an email about one of your bike trips to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Photos are also welcome).
