Month: July 2020

Share the Road Reminders

Kim Stone

On most roadways, bicyclists (including those on electric bikes or low-speed vehicles such as scooters and mopeds) have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users. Additionally, bicyclists riding on the sidewalks are reminded to please alert pedestrians before safely passing them, either verbally or using a bell. The Illinois Secretary of State provides an overview of essential laws and safety tips regarding bicyclists:

  • Bicyclists are required to travel in the same direction as vehicles.
  • Drivers must yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist just as they would to another vehicle.
  • When passing a bicyclist, motorists must do so slowly and leave at least three feet of passing space.
  • Crowding or threatening a bicyclist is prohibited.
  • A motorist should not park or drive in marked bicycle lanes.
  • If a motorist is turning right and a bicyclist is approaching on the right, the motorist should allow the bicyclist to proceed through the intersection first before making a right turn. Motorists and bicyclists should always signal when turning.

Read more on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website. Always remember to wear your helmet!

Trash Pick Up Rescheduled

Kim Stone

The spring clean up days that were postponed due to Covid-19 have been rescheduled to August. The new dates coincide with your normal trash collection day. Monday collection: August 8, Tuesday collection: August 15, Thursday collection: August 22, Friday collection: August 29.

Electronics and recycling will not be collected during the special summer clean up days. Recycling should go out on your regular trash day. Electronics can be left out next to your trash on the first pick up of the month or taken to the City Recycling Center when they are open. You can take used clothing and textiles to the drop boxes at the Recycling Center or the HP Metra Station for reuse and recycling.

Remember that you can put out one large item with your trash each week rather than waiting for these seasonal pick up days.

Vote By Mail

Kim Stone

If you plan to vote by mail in the November election, you can now request a ballot online here. On August 1, the County Clerk will begin mailing vote by mail applications to registered voters who voted in elections or primaries in 2018, 2019 or 2020. You may fill in that application and return it to the Clerk if you prefer. More information about voting options is here.