The Municipal Code of Chicago Bike Laws...

The other evening Bob and I decided to go for a stroll after dinner and it was already dark by 8:30!  I was shocked and annoyed by how many people were out and about via bikes - WITHOUT LIGHTS!!!!  I just don’t understand - are they out for their own death sentence?  The lights aren’t necessarily to see where you are going as much as for other people to see YOU!  Too bad these laws aren’t being enforced more, especially with the growth of cyclists!

9-52-080- Head lamps, reflectors and brakes

Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a head lamp which shall emit a white light visible from a minimum distance of 500 feet from the front and with a rear red reflector capable of reflecting the head lamp beams of an approaching motor vehicle back to the operator of such vehicle at distances up to 200 feet or a rear lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear. 

Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake that will enable the operator to make the braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

9-52-060 Carrying articles on bicycles

No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the rider from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.  

Yeah - I would really like to see this one enforced - no texting a talking on the phone!  If a call is that important - just pull over on your bike instead of jeopardizing the cyclists around you!  Just remember to ride safe, defensively and with your helmet on!

Looks kind of obvious....I guess being a 9 months out of the year bike commuter, I have developed a case of bike rage!