Bill will require bicycle and pedestrian ways in and near urban areas
The Illinois House's vote yesterday to override Gov. Blagojevich's amendatory veto of Senate Bill 314 marks the final chapter of efforts to enact legislation that protects pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users.

The Complete Streets law requires that bicycle and pedestrian ways be established in or near urban areas in all state transportation projects. It is effective immediately for project planning and required in construction beginning August 2008.

While the legislation passed through the House and Senate, Gov. Blagojevich effectively vetoed the SB314 Aug. 30 by changing its meaning. During this month's veto session, the Senate voted to override the veto Oct. 3 and the House did the same Oct. 9.

"The law is a very cost-effective way to improve safety and access for bicyclists and pedestrians," said Randy Neufeld, Chief Strategy Officer for the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. "In the past, the state was prompted by death or injury to correct unsafe conditions on a given project. This law requires projects be built correctly the first time, which will save taxpayers' money and protect people."

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation worked with the Healthy Streets Campaign, the League of Illinois Bicyclists and the bill's co-sponsors Sens. Edward Maloney and Joseph M. Lyons to gain support for the legislation.

This is the fourth successful piece of bicycling- and pedestrian-related legislation to become law this session: Senate Bill 80, which requires motorists to give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist; Senate Bill 639, which identifies police on bicycles as emergency vehicles; and House Bill 508, which increases the penalty for hitting a crossing guard near a school.

The non-profit Chicagoland Bicycle Federation has worked for more than 20 years to engage people in bicycling, encourage activity, increase traffic safety, and design a world-class bicycle facilities network. For more information on the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, visit www.biketraffic.org or call (312) 427-3325.