The Illinois Rules of the Road requires all vehicles turning left across traffic to yield to any and all oncoming traffic, including bicycles. The applicable statute states as follows:
A "plain language" reading of this statute makes clear that a motorist turning across traffic must yield to any oncoming bicycle. The statute plainly states that the turning vehicle must yield the "right-of-way to any vehicle approaching." Since a bicycle is a vehicle under Illinois law there should be no argument as to what Illinois law requires. Justice should be blind, and it should not matter whether it was a bicycle or a motor vehicle that was the oncoming traffic. Bicyclists deserve, and the law requires, equal protection under the law.625 ILCS 5/11-902)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-902)
Sec. 11-902.Vehicle turning left.
The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard, but said driver, having so yielded may proceed at such time as a safe interval occurs.(Source: P.A. 76-1586)
If you have any questions regarding this post or an issue involving Illinois personal injury law, please contact Illinois Bicycle Attorney Mike Keating at 312-208-7702 or MKeating@KeatingLegal.com 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All e-mails and phone calls are returned promptly. All initial consultations are confidential and free.
