River Forest Cyclist Killed In Crash In Oak Park Near "Share The Road" Sign

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that an Oak Park bicyclist by the name of Peter McDonnell tragically died as a result of injuries sustained in a bicycle vs. motor vehicle crash. According to the article, Mr. McDonnell tragically succumbed to the injuries sustained in the crash after days at Loyola University Medical Center. 

The crash occurred on March 9th at the intersection of Division Street and North Harlem Avenue in west suburban River Forest. This intersection is right by Dominican University and is regularly travelled by cyclists. Images of the area show that right on Division Street is a "Share The Road" sign warning drivers of the presence of cyclists and instructing them to give cyclists room on the roadway. 

While details of the crash have not been reported, it is worth noting that the Illinois Vehicle Code generally provides that motorists should give deference to cyclists. Section 11-1003.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code states that all drivers must "exercise due care" to avoid colliding with any person riding a bicycle. Due care is the legal principle that one should act like any other reasonable person would act when faced with the same or similar circumstances. In other words, Illinois drivers should drive extra carefully around cyclists. 

This is another tragic reminder of the dangers that cyclists face on the roadways and how vulnerable we are when riding. Our most sincere thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Peter McDonnell.