Evanston Police Remind Bicyclists Not to Ride on Sidewalks Downtown
The Evanston Police Department is starting a Spring campaign to make bicyclists aware that riding on sidewalks in the Downtown Evanston Business District is prohibited and against the city ordinance.
This ordinance exists to protect pedestrians walking in the business district while shopping and exiting shops. Evanston Police conduct enforcement initiatives as a last resort to make bicyclists aware of the dangers while operating a bicycle on a downtown sidewalk.
The Evanston Police Department encourages residents, visitors to Evanston and Northwestern University students to abide by the bicycle ordinance of prohibiting riding on sidewalks in the downtown area. It will make for a safer community and avoid bicyclists being stopped by police and receiving a minimum fine of $15.00.
The Evanston Police Department thanks all bicyclists in advance for cooperating with this endeavor.
Please see the below ordinance defining the operation of bicycles in the downtown/central business district:
10-9-4(C):
No bicycle riding on sidewalks is permitted in the central business district designated as D1, D2 and D3 districts in the proposed Evanston zoning ordinance or in any other district where signs prohibiting sidewalk riding are posted. When riding on sidewalks where permitted, such person shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian, shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian, and shall have the bicycle under control at all times.
Penalties:
10-9-10 (E)
For violation of subsection 10-9-4(C) of this chapter, in which the issuing officer determines that a court appearance is not required, the fine is fifteen dollars ($15.00), with an additional ten dollars ($10.00) if paid after the expiration of ten (10) days from the day the ticket was issued. If the officer determines that a court appearance is in order, e.g., because of the particular circumstances and/or because of the offender's history or bicycle related violations, the minimum fine shall be thirty five dollars ($35.00) and the maximum shall be five hundred dollars ($500.00).