Bicyclist Tragically Killed by Turning Truck Identified as Portage Park Native Barbie Eno

Northbound Cicero Avenue approaching Belmont Avenue in Chicago, IL.

On Thursday morning 28-year old Barbie Eno was riding her bicycle on northbound Cicero Avenue on her way back from the Secretary of State's Office where she was issued a new I.D. card. As she was riding along Cicero Avenue towards Belmont Avenue a cement truck was also driving northbound. As both the bicycle and the cement truck approached Belmont, the cement truck turned right onto Belmont Avenue and came across the bicyclist's path and into contact with Barbie on her bicycle. As a result of this collision, Barbie sustained multiple injuries that claimed her life.

DNAInfo Chicago has published an excellent article about Barbie Eno. In a tragic twist of irony, this bicycle accident took place just feet from the apartment in Portage Park where Barbie lived as a child. Barbie lived nearby on Addison Street near its intersection with Cicero Avenue and was known for her colorful tattoos, love of her cats, her devotion to her sister's three children, and her joy riding her bike. The article quotes Barbie's sister, Chrissy, as saying that she loved to ride her bike and rode it everywhere in the city.

Details regarding the Chicago Police Department's investigation into this matter remain unclear. Nonetheless, based on the positions of the cement truck and the bicycle prior to the collision, and the report that the truck was turning right onto Belmont, it would appear that this collision is what is known as a "right hook" bicycle crash. A "right hook" crash occurs when a turning vehicle travels directly across the path of a bicyclist and causes a collision between the turning motor vehicle and the bicycle.

Chicago law explicitly prohibits "right hooks" by turning vehicles. Section 9-16-020 of the Municipal Code of Chicago specifically addresses "right hooks." The ordinance states:

“When a motor vehicle and a bicycle are traveling in the same direction on any highway, street, or road, the operator of the motor vehicle overtaking such bicycle traveling on the right side of the roadway shall not turn to the right in front of the bicycle at that intersection or at any alley or driveway until such vehicle has overtaken and is safely clear of the bicycle.” 

Tragically, Chicago has lost another bicyclist due to a collision with a motor vehicle. As a result, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a friend to many is lost. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barbie Eno's family and friends. 

Keating Law Offices is the premiere law firm in Illinois that represents victims of bicycle accidents and crashes. Attorney Michael S. Keating is the Chair of the Bicycle Litigation Committee for the National Trial Lawyers Associaiton, the American Association for Justice. The firm is nationally renowned for its experience in handling cases stemming from injuries or wrongful deaths as a result of collisions with motor vehicles.

If you have any questions regarding this post or an issue involving Illinois personal injury law, contact Illinois Bicycle Attorney Michael S. 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 absolutely free and without any obligation.