Luke

Chicago law says, “Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a ... a rear red reflector ... or a rear lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear.” The Illinois Vehicle Code, however, says “A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.”

So the city says “reflector or a light,” and the state says “reflector or reflector AND a light.”

IANAL, but I believe city code trumps here (home rule, is it?), so you’re OK with merely a light within city limits, which is good for those of us with racing bikes that are way too precious to be sullied with reflectors.

Luke Seemann (XXX Racing-AthletiCo)

Note: Jim Freeman, who is a lawyer, graciously e-mails me to clarify, and directs us to this post about lights and the law.

From his e-mail:

“White headlight and red rear reflector is required by law in the State of Illinois. Also, you’re dead wrong on the language of the Chicago statute.  Both require a white headlight and red rear reflector.

“Lack of proper lighting and reflective equipment kills more of my cases than almost anything else, so it’s always very important to educate cyclists about the importance of proper lighting equipment.  The first questions adjusters ask in bicycle cases always have to do with lights and reflectors.

“If you’re only going to have one light it should be a white headlight (the headlight must be white- other colors do not conform to the statute) used in conjunction with a red rear reflector."</I>

Thanks, Jim!