The city of Chicago’s bike safety ordinance provides for a $150 fine for drivers who endanger Chicago bicyclists in any of the following ways:
1. Driving in a bike lane 2. Parking in a bike lane 3. Turning into a cyclist’s path 4. Opening a car door on cyclist 5. Passing within three feet of a cyclist
The fines jump to $500 if the bicyclist is injured. The laws are to encourage drivers to watch out for bicyclists on the road. Bicyclists can also, of course, can make a civil claim for money damages against the negligent driver.