Fines of up to $500 for motorists possible under new Chicago bicycle ordinance

Sure, this is a little helpful, but I think we're missing a big problem, that of wandering pedestrians. How many times have I had to brake suddenly to avoid plowing into a pedestrian who, for some reason, has wandered into the street where cars and bicycles are likely to be found? I would feel awful if I ever ran into anyone or caused injury. I ride my bicycle slowly and look around me constantly, mainly to detect the errant pedestrian.

Yesterday a guy in a suit talking on a cell phone crossed the middle of the street, weaving among waiting cars, popping out right in front of me in the bike lane. I braked and missed him. He never even noticed me, but kept on walking and talking, never looking around him.

Had I been going faster or not looking, I would have struck him, and he would have been injured (which I would really regret) and I would be sued.