Driver Strikes Two Cyclists Riding In The Chicago Triathalon

Two cyclists competing in the bicycle segment of the Chicago Triathalon were seriously injured when the driver of a car went around the cones designating the lanes for the triathalon and struck the cyclists. The crash occurred on North Lake Shore Drive near Irving Park Road around 7:30 a.m. The cones clearly marked the distinction between lanes for motor vehicle traffic and those for the triathletes. According to news reports, the motorist was cited for negligent driving and operating a motor vehicle without insurance. In Illinois, all motorists are required to have insurance. 

There is a possibility that additional charges could be brought when the Chicago Police Department completes their investigation. "Negligent Driving" is covered by Section 9-40-40 of the Chicago Municipal Code and provides as follows: 

§ 9-40-140 Negligent driving 

a. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any vehicle upon a public waynegligently, heedlessly and without due caution in a manner which endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property or to swerve within, between or across lanes of traffic in such a manner. 

b. In addition to the fine prescribed in subsection (a), any person who violates this section where such violation results in the injury or death of a police officer, traffic control aide, fire department official or other authorized officer, while such officer is performing his or her official duties, or a person acting as a school crossing guard in a school safety zone, shall be subject to a term of imprisonment of not more than six months. 

Any person who violates this section shall be fined not less than $500.00 nor more than $1,000.00 for each offense.

No further details have been reported. Our thoughts and prayers are with the cyclists injured in this inexcusable and preventable crash.