Senate Bill 2951 has been signed into law as
Public Act 96-1007. Gov. Quinn signed this bill into law at a local bike shop over the 4th of July Weekend. This new law does not go into effect until January 1, 2011. This new law
amends Section 11-703 of the Illinois Vehicle Code by making it illegal for the driver of a motor vehicle to "crowd" or threaten a bicyclist by unnecessarily driving the motor vehicle close to, toward, or near a bicyclist. The new law also:
- Provides that every person convicted of crowding or threatening a bicyclist shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor if the violation does not result in great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to another.
- Provides that if a crowding or threatening a bicyclist violation results in great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to another, the person shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony.
The original bill received great support by the Illinois legislature. It passed the Senate with 55 "yeas", 0 "nays" and 2 voting "present." The bill faced a little more opposition in the House, but still easily passed with a vote of 93-20-01.
Thanks to all those who supported the bill and to Gov. Quinn for putting it into law.
Posted by Illinois Bicycle Lawyer Mike Keating.
