OFF THE WIRE
http://orlandpark.patch.com/articles/new-law-lets-motorcycles-and-bikes-run-red-lights-legally-6bdbbaaaNew Law Lets Motorcycles and Bikes Run Red Lights—Legally
If a light fails to turn green in a “reasonable period of time,” riders can now proceed through intersections.
By Shannon Antinori Email the authorJanuary 22, 2012 Email Print Comment ‹ Back to Article new Embed | Share Although Illinois does not mandate helmets, Zaruba strongly recommends helmets, protective body wear, boots and gloves. Corbis context Photos (1) Photos Credit Corbis Upload Photos and Videos Most of us have been there: Waiting at a desolate intersection for what seems like an eternity for a red light that just will not change.
As of Jan. 1, the wait for some motorists—namely motorcycle riders and bicyclists—just got shorter.
Effective this year, a new law allows motorcyclists to proceed with caution through an intersection if the light fails to turn green “within a reasonable period of time” due to a signal malfunction or simply because the vehicle does not set off ground sensors.
In November, both the Illinois House and Senate overrode Gov. Pat Quinn’s amendatory veto to pass House Bill 2860. The legislation does not apply to the city of Chicago, stipulating that the rule is effective only in communities with fewer than 2 million residents, like Orland Park.
Brian Wendholt, legislative officer for Will County ABATE, said motorcycle enthusiasts have been pushing for a similar law for quite some time.
“It’s something I’ve been complaining about, and a lot of members have too, for years and years,” Wendholt said.
Under the new law, “When a motorcycle comes up to a red light or a left-turn arrow and sits there and the sensors do not recognize that the bike is there, they can proceed as if through a four-way stop,” he explained. He said the sensors are activated by a vehicle's iron content and motorcycles don't contain enough to set them off.
According to its website, ABATE, which stands for “A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education,” strives to “preserve the universal right to a safe, unrestricted motorcycling environment.”
Safety concerns
Some in law enforcement opposed the law, citing safety concerns, but Wendholt said the intent is for motorcyclists to use the legislation to safely proceed through intersections only when no other traffic is present.
“You can’t do it at an intersection controlled by a timer, and the police will learn which intersections are which really quick,” Wendholt added.
Wendholt said ABATE is working to educate its members about the law works. The organization’s website offers a printable version of the bill that riders can carry with them in case they’re pulled over.
“That way, if a rider is pulled over, he can very politely show it to the officer,” Wendholt said. “This is not to wave it in the face of [the police].”
Even so, Wendholt said he realizes other drivers may not be familiar with the new law.
“I’m sure there are going to be people who aren’t aware of it who are going to be calling the police” to report motorcycle riders, Wendholt said.
Minimum time requirement in the works?
In August, the governor attempted to veto the bill, pushing for an amendment that would have specified how long bicyclists and motorcycle riders must wait at a red light before proceeding through the intersection.
According to Wendholt, that’s something ABATE can get behind.
Senate Bill 2528 has been introduced in the Senate that could give motorcycle riders a specific guideline on how long is long enough to wait before proceeding through a clear intersection.
“The bill as written doesn’t specify a time,” Wendholt said. “The trailer bill states that you must wait 120 seconds.”
