Patch Story Sparks Facebook Debate

A Sunday morning run on the Green Bay Trail turned into a Patch story about bicycle riders failing to observe stop signs in downtown Highland Park and that article prompted a debate on Facebook.

As I was out for a Sunday morning run with my smart phone in my pocket, I saw a group ride through the sign without slowing down a bit. That group escaped the camera but those riding for the next 15 minutes did not and the story emerged.

Since the article was posted on Facebook Sunday night, there has been no shortage of opinions offered by readers of that Facebook post or the story itself.

“If they violate the law, they should get a ticket,” writes Julianne Brand on Facebook. “They are not NY (New York City) messengers doing their job, but some hot shots taking risks and creating hazards.”

David Friedberg saw no reason to even ask whether a cyclist not following the rules should be ticketed. “Why even ask such a question,” he writes. “Obviously. Now can you get (them) to stop riding two and three abreast? Do they need to hold hands and cuddle as they ride?”

Carter Kleiman is an avid bicycle rider who believes riding single file in a large group would not be realistic. He advocates careful riding.

“Anyone who thinks that cyclists should be required to stop at all stop signs even if there are no cars around is somebody who has clearly never ridden a bicycle,” Kleiman writes. “I ride with some of the biggest groups in Chicagoland and for years I have never seen a pedestrian get hit.”

A number of debaters did not stop with cyclists. They have observed motor vehicles show disregard for stop signs and other traffic laws in Highland Park and want to see the City take action there too.

“How about we focus on the cars that don't make complete stops,” writes Andy Milonakis Castellanos. “Especially on Central.” Brendan George would like to see more hand held cell phone enforcement.

Patch has already taken its video camera to the corner of Second Street and Central Avenue and found seven lawbreakers in one minute. We have been to at least one intersection in Highland Park and that video will be published next week.

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