Bicycle Safety

Summer is here, which means that more people will be engaging in outdoor activities, like bicycling. Residents are encouraged to reacquaint themselves with bicycle safety rules that will help make their summer rides safer and more enjoyable.
Always Wear an Approved Bicycle Helmet:
A bicycle helmet should sit low on the forehead, just above the eyebrows. It should fit snugly and the two side plastic pieces on the straps should fit just under the ears. The buckle should be just under the chin, with one finger's width of space between the strap and chin. The helmet must always be buckled while riding. The helmet should not move more than 1/2 inch in any direction.
Know and Follow the Rules of the Road:
Know and follow the rules of the road contained within the Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC). Vehicle Code handbooks can be obtained through your local Police Department or Illinois Secretary of State Bicycle Services Office. Remember, bicyclists must obey the same laws as drivers of motor vehicles.
Ride with the Flow of Traffic:
Always follow lane markings and use appropriate hand signals. Ride single-file when in heavily congested areas.
Avoid Riding at Night:
If it becomes necessary to do so, wear light-colored or reflective clothing. Make sure your bicycle is properly equipped with ! reflecto rs and a front light, if possible.
Be Alert While Riding:
Watch for cars, pedestrians, and hazards in the roadway like potholes, drain grates, etc. Don't assume other people will yield to you. Be courteous and give the right-of-way to other bicycles and pedestrians. Don't use a cell phone while riding.
Walk Your Bike when Crossing A Street in a Crosswalk:
Always look left, right, and then left again--even when the light gives you the right-of-way.

Cook County Treasurer Info

Have you been asking where you can pay your property tax bills? How you can get your property tax refund? How you can see your payment or exemption history? How to find services for seniors?

Get answers to such questions from the Cook County Treasurers office’s website: www.cookcountytreasurer.com. The website has a wealth of information about the property tax system in 21 languages and about individual properties.

The Blight Fight

I love the story of the little engine that could and how appropriate. I have been trying since April of '07 to get a new fence installed on 29th between Lombard and Ridgeland. Today 5/31/08 the BNSF is replacing said fence. Here's my letter.

October 2, 2007

Paul E. Nowicki
AVP-Govt. & Public Policy
(312) 850-5678Fax: (312) 850-5677
547 W. Jackson Blvd., Ste. 1509
Chicago, IL 60661-5717

Dear Mr. Nowicki,

I have spoken to you twice in the last six months. I am requesting that a new fence be installed immediately at your property in the City of Berwyn. The fence is in grave disrepair and is an unsightly nuisance to the residents and the entire neighborhood. The fence is located on 29th Street and runs from Lombard Avenue west to Ridgeland Avenue. The blight ticket is a daily fee ranging up to $750.00 for each violation. I would like to work with you to avoid the issuance of these blight tickets. This will be a last resort and hopefully the City of Berwyn and the BNSF will be able to come to an agreement to the benefit of the beautication of the city and especially the 4th Ward. I look forward to your cooperation in this matter.

Respectfully,

Michele D. Skryd
Alderman 4th Ward
City of Berwyn

Free Well Baby/Well Toddler Program

The Berwyn Health District is offering a FREE Well Baby/Well Toddler Program and FREE Immunization Program. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! for Berwyn Residents. For more information or appointments, please call 708-788-6600.

Least Expensive Gas in Your Zip Code

This is pretty nifty. It even works in Hawaii. Just enter your zip code in the site below, and it tells you which gas stations have been cheapest prices (and the highest) on gas in your zip code area. It's updated every evening. http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx

SLOW DOWN--Big Brother's Watching!

Beginning in July the State of Illinois will use speed cameras in areas designated as "Work Zones" on major freeways. $375 ticket for first offense, second offense is $1,000 ticket and 90 day suspension. Drivers will also receive demerit points against their license, which allows insurance companies to raise your rates. Photos of both the Driver's face and License plate are taken.

Voter Registration

Voter Registration will take place in the City Clerk's office and the Berwyn Public Library from now until 30 days prior to the November Election.