Chicago passes "pack" of bicycle-friendly laws

Posted Wed, 2008-03-19 13:48 by rebecca

Fines of up to $500 for motorists possible under new Chicago bicycle ordinance. Council outlaws 'dooring,' among other hazards.

Published March 12 2008, 8:52 PM CDT

Link to full Chicago Tribune article

When a motorist flings a door open in front of a cyclist passing in the bike lane, Chicago bikers call it a "dooring"and often just charge it to the cost of riding in a big city.

As of Wednesday, the City Council calls it illegal and will charge motorists anywhere from $150 to $500 for each violation.

The anti-dooring legislation joined a pack of other bike-friendly laws passed by the council Wednesday.

The laws impose fines on motorists who turn left or right in front of someone on a bicycle; pass with less than 3 feet of space between car and bike; or park in or otherwise obstruct marked bike lanes.