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Cyclist’s death spurs change to state’s “Rules of the Road” manual

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Illinois

The death of a Mount Prospect mother of five who was struck and killed by an SUV while riding her bike in a local crosswalk is prompting the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office to add a new entry to the 2017 publication of the official “Rules of the Road.”

While the entry has yet to be written, it will explain to drivers that when the crosswalk signal is activated and the lights are flashing, they need to stop until pedestrians and bicyclists have safely crossed the road.

Joni Beaudry, 55, was hit on June 9 while riding her bike at Central Road and Weller Lane. In the wake of Beaudry’s death, some Mount Prospect residents have alleged the new crosswalk signal being used in Illinois and across the U.S. is confusing and dangerous.

That prompted one state representative to seek its inclusion in the free “Rules of the Road” manual, generally used by driver’s education students or those studying for an Illinois driver’s license. It is available in print and online.

* AP…

Dave Drucker, a spokesman for the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, confirmed the new entry for 2017 and says the office is grateful to Illinois State Rep. David Harris for making the request for change.

Harris, who passes the crosswalk twice daily on his way to his office, said the new entry is a must for drivers to be aware of the crosswalk signal.

“I thought, ‘my gosh.how are drivers supposed to know about it?’” Harris said.

Since the death of Mount Prospect resident Joni Beaudry, 55, on June 9, residents of the area have found the current crosswalk signal to be confusing and argued it’s dangerous and should be removed.

Good on Harris.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 18, 16 @ 2:02 pm

Comments

Putting it in a book that no ones reads is not a solution. The need PSA’s on TV that explain and demonstrate these newly enforced crosswalk rules. Ever since they’ve started enforcing the “pedestrian in a cross walk” rights I have witnessed several very near deadly incidents. Especially on roads that have four lanes like Western and Ashland in Chicago. It doesn’t help that some pedestrians seem to now be entitled to step in front of vehicle because the pedestrians has the right of way.

Comment by Groucho Tuesday, Oct 18, 16 @ 2:14 pm
I was taught that pedestrians in the crosswalk had the right of way. People walking bikes were pedestrians. People riding bikes had to follow the rules for autos.

Sounds like the rules are changing.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Tuesday, Oct 18, 16 @ 2:17 pm
I would like to see motorists educated on the fact that crosswalks with painted stripes like the “Abbey Road” cover mean a full stop is required when pedestrians are attempting to walk across the street. Too many drivers think that stopping is optional at such crosswalks.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 18, 16 @ 2:41 pm
A classmate of mine got killed walking in a marked crosswalk. That’s the only reason I know peds have the right of way. It’s nice to know that some people won’t have to learn about right of way rules the hard way.

Comment by Chicago_Downstater Tuesday, Oct 18, 16 @ 2:46 pm
This is welcome, and good for Harris for his follow-up. The city installed a bunch of those “Stop for Crossing Pedestrian” signs all over the north side of Chicago. The law was changed to require a full stop when pedestrians are in the street or about to cross. Very few drivers have gotten the memo apparently.

But the rules are, the Rules of the Road for a reason. These aren’t the rules for cars only, they are for cyclists too. Far too many cyclists ignore the rules of the road. That needs to change too.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Oct 18, 16 @ 2:48 pm
Thi
s was one of the most poorly public notifications ever. The first time I saw it, I thought it was an illegal sign, set up on some alderman’s initiative; I had never heard of it, and I follow sign rules. I don’t agree with it, roads are for motor vehicles and pedestrians are permitted users, but it is the law.
If the state is serious about this they need to publicize it, yellow flashing lights won’t help the problem: yellow does not mean STOP, it means Caution.

Comment by downstate commissioner Tuesday, Oct 18, 16 @ 2:56 pm
Groucho…

For what it is worth, 15 year olds read it in Drivers ED and at least mine is more than happy to point out stuff he remembers from it when I fail to do stuff.

Comment by Oneman Tuesday, Oct 18, 16 @ 3:13 pm
This is a sad and cautionary tale. Any efforts to improve are worthy.

However, the laws of physics cannot be denied.

A pedestrian doesn’t stand a chance against a distracted driver. In many countries, the biggest vehicle has the right of way. It’s kind of a smarter approach….

Teach alertness. Save lives.

Comment by cdog Tuesday, Oct 18, 16 @ 3:17 pm
I have seen this story elsewhere in the media, and I fail to understand the complaint from residents that the crosswalk is “confusing.” So…does the publication of this new information in the Rules of the Road make that particular crosswalk less confusing?

Comment by morningstar Tuesday, Oct 18, 16 @ 4:07 pm
“I don’t agree with it, roads are for motor vehicles and pedestrians are permitted users”

Because might makes right?

Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Oct 18, 16 @ 4:09 pm
I still see cyclists that insist on riding in the opposite lane into oncoming traffic. I think they think if they see someone comming at them they can get out of the way.

Comment by Red tower. Tuesday, Oct 18, 16 @ 5:33 pm
Whether it is drivers or pedestrians some people are clueless. I drive under the understanding that everyone outside my vehicle is a potential accident so I look to avoid them. Maybe more people need to pay attention.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Tuesday, Oct 18, 16 @ 8:07 pm