Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Illinois/Chicago brake law?

I'm riding fixed with only a front brake. Does anyone know the law for brakes in Illinois? Are cyclist required to have both front and rear? Is a front brake enough to avoid getting a ticket?

I just want to be covered in case of an accident or a ticket. ie getting the fault pinned on me because I failed to run a rear brake.

I found this online but am still unsure

Section 9-52-080
"Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake that will enable the operator to make the braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement."

What are the implications of this for brake-less/fixed-gear bikes? I can't lock the wheels with a front brake but can lock the rear with my legs. Does this count?

http://www.biketraffic.org/content.php?id=50_0_6_0
http://www.chicagobikes.org/bikelaws/
http://chicagobikelaw.blogspot.com/


I am not sure about rear brakes. you might want to contact lawyer jim - he will know the answer.

"Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake that will enable the operator to make the braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement."

:wtf:

Has anyone ever been able to skid their front wheel on dry, level, clean pavement? And lived to tell the tale?

:wtf:

Has anyone ever been able to skid their front wheel on dry, level, clean pavement? And lived to tell the tale?

One might Fly over the bars.

:wtf:

Has anyone ever been able to skid their front wheel on dry, level, clean pavement? And lived to tell the tale?

Yup.. just need to do it on a nice strip of tar/oil buildup

Well that's not dry or clean.

Section 9-52-080
"Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake that will enable the operator to make the braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement."

Makes perfect sense as a skid is the sign of efficient and effective braking.

Where can you find clean an dry pavement in Chicago anyways so I guess it really doesn't matter