Rogue motorcycles in Chicago

Press Release from Illinois State Police
July 13, 2012

Enforcement Strategy to Combat Rogue Motorcycle Riders on Edens

CHICAGO – Law enforcement officials from the Illinois State Police (ISP) Skokie and Lincolnwood Police Departments announced plans to address the problem of rogue, high speed motorcycle riding activity on the Edens Expressway near and around the towns of Skokie and Lincolnwood.

Operation Rogue Rider is a collaborative law enforcement strategy aimed at targeting motorcycle riders violating posted speed limits, improperly changing lanes, racing on the expressways, and riding illegally on the shoulder.  Rogue riding has prompted law enforcement officials to partner resources during certain hours to address unsafe driving conditions for both riders and motorists.

“Riding a motorcycle can be extremely dangerous for riders and the motoring public if the proper safety measures are not taken seriously,” said ISP Director Hiram Grau.    “District Chicago and our joint law enforcement efforts with Skokie and Lincolnwood Police will target these violators who place their lives and the safety of others at risk when they choose to ride recklessly,” Grau added.

Skokie and Lincolnwood Police routinely receive nightly calls reporting rogue riders and unsafe driving conditions.  During the first six months of this year, the Chicagoland area experienced 13 fatalities and 7 injuries in motorcycle related crashes.  These statistics, compared to the same period last year, reflect an 85% increase in fatalities with a 75% increase in injuries.

“Whether a motorist is inside a vehicle or riding a motorcycle, throttling up to increase speed or racing on the expressways puts everyone involved in danger,” said Skokie Police Chief Anthony Scarpelli.  “We believe this enforcement partnership and awareness campaign will alert drivers about potentially fatal consequences, and encourage motorists to report violators,” he added.

Operation Rogue Rider will specifically target speeders, ragers, and rogue riders on the Edens Expressway.  Weekly enforcement suppression details will focus on late night riders traveling at high rates of speed up and down a stretch of the Edens to the Villages of Skokie and Lincolnwood.

The enforcement strategy starts today, with ISP patrol and motorcycle units working in tandem with Skokie and Lincolnwood operations.  Skokie and Lincolnwood units will provide real time information to ISP operations, so that real time information can be dispatched to ISP enforcement units on patrol.  Once the unit has the exact location or general vicinity, the area will be saturated with roving enforcement teams.  Operation Rogue Rider will remain in place throughout the summer months.

Officials plan to enforce the law and arrest those individuals who are operating motorcycles in a rogue manner on the Interstates of District Chicago.  Fines could total up to $2500, with jail time of up to one year for reckless driving.

ISP District Chicago Acting Lt. Jeff Grendzinski is responsible for coordinating District Chicago’s Operation Rogue Rider and reiterated the importance of motorcycle safety and the consequences.

“Motorcyclists have a simple choice in the matter – violate the law and face hefty fines and jail time, or abide by the law and ride safely,” said ISP District Chicago Acting Lt. Jeff Grendzinski.  “Our top priority is for motorists to get to their final destination safely, and by implementing this enforcement plan, we save lives and prevent driving fatalities,” he said.

The Illinois State Police encouraged the public to visit their website www.isp.state.il.us for more information about motorcycle safety under the newly dedicated motorcycle safety section.

The Illinois State Police and its law enforcement partners will continue their enforcement efforts and safety education initiatives to help ensure motorcycle operators are properly trained and Illinois roads and motorists are as safe as possible.      

Source: isp.state.il.us