Printed in the Sun Times March 19
I am writing in response to your article "Traffic cameras could help wipe out city's projected deficit" [March 16]. While the article points out that using traffic cameras to "hunt down uninsured motorists" would bring additional revenue into the city, it is important to keep in mind that the most important consequence for such an action is that it is good public safety policy. Uninsured drivers pose a significant risk to vulnerable users of the road, particularly those not insured with vehicle insurance: pedestrians and bicyclists.
We at the Active Transportation Alliance support increased efforts to ensure the safety of our pedestrians and bicyclists through greater enforcement of the rules of the road and increasing protection through legislation such as the state Pedestrian Safety Bill (HB 43) (SB 30). Active Trans is working with Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Luis Arroyo (D-Chicago) to gain support for the bill, which would require Illinois drivers to stop — rather than yield — for pedestrians.
Rob Sadowsky
Executive Director
Active Transportation Alliance