Reader Poll: Should Motorcycles Get the 'Green Light' to Run Red Lights?

Effective Jan. 1, a through an intersection if the light fails to turn green “within a reasonable period of time” due to a signal malfunction or simply because the vehicle does not weigh enough to set off ground sensors.

Brian Wendholt, legislative officer for Will County ABATE, said motorcycle enthusiasts have been pushing for a similar law for quite some time.

“It’s something I’ve been complaining about, and a lot of members have too, for years and years,” Wendholt said.

Under the new law, “When a motorcycle comes up to a red light or a left-turn arrow and sits there and the sensors do not recognize that the bike is there, they can proceed as if through a four-way stop,” he explained.

The news seemed to hit a nerve with some Bolingbrook Patch readers. 

Some reactions: 

 said, "What's next cars or getting rid of red lights all together!!!"

 said, "I don't have an anti-motorcycle reaction. I have an anti-running red lights reaction that's going to lead to obvious abuse. I've picked up enough motorcycle riders off the pavement riding without a helmet, in shorts and a t-shirt who thought rules of the road and the laws of physics didn't apply to them. I feel sorry for the riders and the other drivers who are going to slam into the side of them when they blow the red light because they're in a hurry and suddenly feel a sense of false entitlement."

 said, "I'm not sure if this law is needed. All motorists, be it cars, motorcycles or bicycles, eventually run a "malfunctioning" red light. Although it rarely happens for cars, it happens quite frequently for lighter vehicles. This just sets a timeframe for waiting. This law, if it needs to exist at all, should apply to all vehicles on the road."

So we ask you...