A critical bike safety bill has arrived on Governor Rauner’s desk and now we need your help to make sure it’s signed into law.
On Wednesday, June 27, HB 5143 – the Bike Safety and Dutch Reach Act – was sent to Governor Rauner. The bill amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to add information about bike safety to the state’s Rules of the Road manual and driver’s license exam. The added information includes a description of using the “Dutch reach” method when opening a car door to prevent a “dooring” crash if a cyclist approaching from behind.
This past spring the bill passed both chambers with strong bi-partisan majorities.
But the final step is still needed. Tell Governor Rauner to sign HB 5143 to make Illinois streets safer for everybody, especially the most vulnerable users on foot and on bike.
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) data shows dooring crashes are on the rise across the state, especially in urban areas. In 2015, there were more than 300 reported dooring crashes in Chicago alone – a 50 percent increase over the previous year.
Research shows the Dutch Reach method makes drivers and passengers more aware of approaching cyclists, helping prevent crashes and save lives.
The pool of questions for Illinois’ drivers license exam currently doesn’t include any questions about the Dutch Reach method or any other bike safety topics.