City of Chicago Stiffens Enforcement for Drivers Blocking Bike Lanes

Chicago's City Council passed legislation that will increase the penalty for parking in the bike lane and provide a platform for more enforcement of drivers blocking the city's bike lanes. 

These recent changes to the Chicago Municipal Code provide that a driver can be fined $250 for stopping or parking in the bike lane. While the Code previously provided for the $250 fine, the prior version required a bicyclist to have been injured as a result of the blocked bike lane. With the amendment anyone blocking the bike lane could face a fine. 

In addition, the amendment provides for immediate towing and extends enforcement power beyond police officers to traffic aides and other individuals designated by the Traffic Compliance Administrator, Commissioner of Transportation, or the Commissioner of Streets and Sanitation.

Keating Law attorney Mike Keating stated:

"These changes to the Chicago Municipal Code are a step in the right direction. On its face, the Code now makes it easier for a police officer to issue a citation and extends the persons like traffic aides who can issue a citation for parking in the bike lane. The real effect, however, will be seen in whether the Chicago Police Department and city officials actually put some bite in their bark. Traffic laws are put into place to create a framework of safety for everyone. When those laws are not enforced we have a breakdown in the fundamental safety of our streets for bicyclists. This evidence in this breakdown is an epidemic of injuries and deaths of cyclists legally riding on our city's streets. A continued path towards change is needed." 

Keating Law Offices is the premiere personal injury law firm representing victims of bicycle crashes in Illinois. The firm is based in Chicago, Illinois and represents clients throughout Illinois. The firm's attorneys have been recognized by SuperLawyers, Leading Lawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers. Keating Law has litigated more bicycle crash cases than any other law firm in the state of Illinois. 

Mike Keating Presents Lecture on Legal Issues Surrounding Bike Share and E-Scooters at Trial Lawyer Convention

Keating Law Offices attorney Mike Keating was invited by the American Association for Justice to speak to the attendees of the 2019 AAJ Winter Convention in Miami. Mike's subject was Bike Share and the emerging threats posed by E-Scooters. The speech was entitled "Looking Beyond Automobiles: Bicycles and Electric Scooters." Chicago's Divvy program is one of the nation's largest bike share systems. 

Mike's presentation was a part of a program of Continuing Legal Education where other trial lawyers from throughout the country learn about different areas of the law. This was a part of the convention's lecture series, "Specialized Track: Keep Your Eyes on the Road: The Latest Strategies in Litigation." 

Mike Keating is considered one of the nation's leading authorities on litigation and insurance claims related to bicycle crashes. This is the second time Mike has been asked to present on bicycle law to the American Association for Justice. The last time was in 2016 at AAJ's Annual Convention. In addition, last year his article "Bike Share Roadblocks" was published in Trial Magazine. Mike Keating has served as the Chair of the American Association for Justice's Bicycle Litigation Committee for the past five years. In addition to his work with AAJ, Mike is also a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyer Association's Board of Managers and one of its Legislative Chairs who works with legislators on legal issues. 

Illinois Bicycle Attorneys at Keating Law Offices Attend Chicago Winter Bike Swap

 Keating Law Offices' Booth at Bike Swap

Attorneys from Keating Law Offices attended the Chicago Winter Bike Swap this past weekend. The firm has been a part of the Chicago Winter Bike Swap for several years going back to when the event was held at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Attorney Michael Keating, founder of Keating Law Offices, said:

"We love coming to the Chicago Winter Bike Swap and meeting with other bicyclists who are passionate about bicycling and answering questions about bicycle law. My commitment to bicyclists stems first from my personal love of bicycling and bikes. My experience as a trial attorney obviously came later. When the firm goes to events like this it is a great opportunity to combine these two passions. At the end of the day, being a part of the bicycle community in Illinois is at the very heart of what we do and who we are." 

Keating Law Offices is dedicated to representing bicyclists and their families throughout Illinois in cases related to bicycle accidents. The firm prides itself on the fact that its attorneys are involved in all aspect of bicycling and bicycle advocacy. The firm is known for providing personal and direct legal counsel and advice to bicyclists throughout Illinois. The goal of the firm is simple: "To provide legal counsel and advice at any time to bicyclists who are injured anywhere in Illinois." The Illinois Bicycle Lawyers at Keating Law Offices are always available to meet clients at their convenience.