HIGHLAND PARK – Police here issued 51 warnings to cyclists during the city’s recent 10-day bike safety campaign, all for not stopping at a stop sign or not stopping when required before entering a street or intersection.
According to Police Sgt. Chris O’Neill, “It went really well. We made a lot of contact with people, had a lot of support from residents, the weather was good and residents were thankful and had good feedback.”
Police in Highland Park, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Highwood and Bannockburn worked together on the campaign.
Cyclists who received their first warning were required to take an online safety class from the League of Illinois, and provide proof of completion; 13 of them have completed the online course so far.
“It takes about 15 minutes for most people. The ticket diversion program for education and voluntary compliance is our ultimate goal,” said O’Neill. “Both cyclists and drivers are dangerous. Cyclists can reach high speeds of 25 mph. They can cause accidents, and a lot of injuries in our Highland Park business district. Two written warnings in six months could result in a $120 ticket for cyclists and drivers.”
The police sergeant addresses traffic complaints from the public. He observed one frequent behavior during the safety campaign: “Cyclists have been disobeying red lights at St. Johns and Laurel Avenues.”
“The campaign is still ongoing,” he added. “Bike riders ride through multiple communities, and we’re trying to be more consistent along the North Shore.”
Cyclists riding single file through Highwood on a recent sunny day.