'It's A Liability Law:' Ordinance Requires Single-File Biking In Village

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Cyclists showed up in helmets and biking gear at Monday's village board meeting in a stand against changes in Glen Ellyn's traffic ordinance and village code that will affect bike and e-bike riders. The village board approved the amended ordinance, with Trustee Anne Gould casting the only vote in opposition, citing new rules that call for bike and e-bike users to ride single-file.

The single-file riding stipulation spurred debate during the meeting, with cyclists urging the village to eliminate that restriction, as they often ride double- or triple-abreast for safety and visibility with their children or other bike riders.

Chief Philip Norton said the single-file stipulation comes as the village's streets are relatively narrow, but he added that the amendments "set the tone for how we expect people to ride, but we’re also not looking to write a lot of tickets here."

Norton said tickets would be issued "only in the most egregious circumstances" and "typically after an accident."

“Some parts of this that were written as a guideline for safety," Norton said.

He mentioned an increase in groups of teens on e-bikes riding "recklessly" on e-bikes.

"That's our target here," Norton said.

"There’s some liability with this," Norton added, explaining that the amendments put "rules in place in the event of an accident to protect us from court action.”

Some cyclists and parents who ride with their children spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.

Resident Billie Joe Mills commented that "two-abreast biking is the safest way for families to get around town.”

Resident Elle Ellerbee said, "I have ridden single-file before and people have tried to squeak around me."

She added, that "being able to be a bigger presence" serves to "make bikers feel safe."

Village President Donna Simon mentioned that this part of the ordinance intends to limit teens who are riding "three or four abreast" and does not aim to "control those who are ignoring what is reasonable.”

Resident Kevin Lang asked, "What does that say about the ordinance" if "acting reasonably conflicts with the ordinance that’s technically on the books.”

Illinois State Law permits bicyclists to ride two abreast. Lang said there is not single-file riding rule in neighboring suburbs Lombard, Glen Ellyn and Villa Park.

“It’s a liability law," Trustee Fasules said of the new restrictions.

The ordinance also prohibits e-bikes and other mobility devices on roadways with speed limits of 35 mph or higher. That part of the ordinance does not apply to pedal bicyclists.

Bikes and e-bikes are also required to obey stop signs and traffic signals and to yield to pedestrians and cars when coming out of a driveway, alley or multi-use path. Additionally, bikes and e-bikes are prohibited from parking on sidewalks and public streets unless they are on a bike rack.

Violations of the ordinance can lead to fines of at least $25 and up to $750. Parents are to be held responsible for violations committed by their children.

Chief Norton said officers plan to visit all schools to educate students about bike safety, whether via a session or to share informative literature. He added that the police department plans to buy bicycles to start its own bike patrols in the village.