Chicago hopes to make streets more accommodating for bikers. Aldermen yesterday passed several safe-biking ordinances. One makes it illegal to open a door without checking for bikers first. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley is known for peddling around town. He says he’s had his own run-ins with car doors.

DALEY: Yes, it’s taken place … a few choice words. Every biker does that, salutes the driver in a Chicago way.

Chicago now also requires passing cars to give bikers at least three feet of space.  Another ordinance makes it illegal to turn left or right in front of a bicycle. Fines start at $150, and can reach $500 if the incident causes a biker to crash.