(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that the City of Chicago was not liable when a bicyclist hit a pothole on the city's North Side in June 2019 and suffered severe injuries.
It happened at Leland and Western Avenues, and the rider suffered fractured teeth, facial cuts, and injuries to his left hip and right shoulder.
He sued the City of Chicago for failing to maintain the pavement properly.
The Illinois Supreme Court, though, sided with Chicago. The City argued that while bike riders were allowed to use the intersection, it was never intended for bikes.
Dave Simmons, the executive director of Ride Illinois, said the ruling leaves bike riders feeling “frustration” and possibly “even more vulnerable.”
“As it is, people on bikes are vulnerable road users,” Simmons told WBBM. “They’re not protected. I think it’s just going to add to that sense of vulnerability.”
The ruling may sway more people to leave their bikes at home, he added.
“We’re trying to get more people out on bikes, have them riding for everyday trips,” Simmons said. “This decision just has a negative impact on that eventual goal. We know that some folks are going to look at that and say, ‘You know what? If this is the situation, then I’m not going to use my bike.’”
Simmons said he’s calling for a new state law to give bike riders more legal protection when they encounter potholes or other road hazards.
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