Cyclists Beware: The Cops Iz Watchin'

By Sam Bakken in News on Jul 20, 2005 8:03AM

You'd better practice your track stand. Apparently Chicago police officers are watching for bicyclists in the Lakeview neighborhood that don't stop at stop signs or traffic signals. Right now they'll let you off with just a warning, but next month they'll issue you the same $75 ticket they give to drivers that violate the laws. We think this month's Chicago Critical Mass route should definitely wind through Lakeview at some point—the ride is next Friday (July 29) at 5:30 p.m. and, as always, starts at Daley Plaza.

We're not sure why the cops are only concentrating on Lakeview. We'd bet that soon enough they'll be doing the same thing in a neighborhood near you. To study up on bike safety, check out this guide from everybody's favorite bike guy Mr. Bike. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation also provides a list of state and city laws that apply to bikes and biking.

You can buy the "ONE LESS CAR" sticker seen above here.