NOTE:VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE.
A Democratic county board member in suburban Chicago is facing intense public and media attention after allegations emerged that she struck a young bicyclist with her vehicle in a marked crosswalk and failed to remain at the scene. Jackie Traynere, who represents one of Will County’s districts, was later cited for failing to yield the right-of-way. The incident—captured in body-camera footage and detailed in law-enforcement reports—has raised questions about accountability, public safety, and the legal obligations of elected officials.
Background on the Official
Jackie Traynere’s Role and Responsibilities
Jackie Traynere was elected to the Will County Board in 2022 and serves as a member of the county’s Transportation and Public Safety Committees. In her role, she helps oversee local infrastructure projects, sets policy priorities for law enforcement funding, and advocates for pedestrian and cyclist safety measures. Traynere has built a reputation as a consensus-builder, sponsoring initiatives to improve public transit access and expand bike-lane networks throughout her district.
Public Profile Prior to Incident
Prior to the recent allegations, Traynere was viewed by many constituents as a pragmatic lawmaker focused on balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. She has routinely attended community forums, held monthly “Coffee with Jackie” office hours, and partnered with nonprofit groups to host Safe Streets workshops aimed at reducing traffic fatalities. Her public statements emphasize the importance of civic engagement and transparent governance.
Chronology of the Event
Date, Time, and Location
The collision occurred shortly after 8:00 a.m. on a weekday earlier this month near the intersection of Lily Cache and Lindsey Lanes—a busy corridor that connects several residential subdivisions to local schools and shopping centers. The intersection features clearly marked crosswalks, pedestrian-activated signal beacons, and speed-limit signage intended to protect vulnerable road users.
Sequence of Events
According to the official police report and multiple eyewitness accounts:
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Bicyclist Approaches Crosswalk
A young boy, estimated to be between 9 and 11 years old, was riding his bicycle eastbound on the sidewalk adjacent to Lily Cache Drive. Witnesses say he approached the curb, paused to check oncoming traffic, and then entered the marked crosswalk when the pedestrian signal illuminated. -
Vehicle Turning Right
Simultaneously, Jackie Traynere’s blue sedan—traveling southbound and stopped in congested morning traffic—began a right turn onto Lindsey Lanes. Witnesses uniformly described the turn as “tight” and noted that southbound traffic in the adjacent lane remained halted. -
Impact Occurs
Although most drivers correctly yielded to the crossing child, Traynere’s vehicle is alleged to have completed the turn without stopping, making contact with the bicycle and the child’s lower leg. Bystanders reported hearing a “thud” as the collision took place, followed by the child crying out in pain and dismounting from his bicycle. -
Post-Collision Actions
Witnesses diverge on what they saw next. Some described Traynere exiting her vehicle briefly—reportedly checking on the child without offering aid—before reentering her car and driving away. Others say they witnessed her pausing for only a few seconds before proceeding to the nearby police station, a drive of less than two miles. -
Official Response and Citation
Officers from the Bolingbrook Police Department responded to the scene after receiving 911 calls. Paramedics evaluated the child and administered first aid, determining that his injuries did not require hospital transport. At the station, officers cited Traynere for a single traffic violation: failure to yield to a bicyclist in a marked crosswalk, a misdemeanor offense carrying a fine but no immediate jail time.
Eyewitness and Forensic Evidence
Body-Camera Footage
Following a Freedom of Information Act request by WGN-9, authorities released body-camera recordings from the responding officers. The footage corroborates key aspects of witness testimony:
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The child is seen stepping onto the crosswalk with the “walk” signal illuminated.
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The vehicle that struck him is clearly identifiable as the same make and model driven by Traynere.
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Officers measuring debris and skid marks documented damage consistent with a low-speed collision.
Physical Vehicle Damage
Police reports detail observations of a half-circle scratch on the front hood of the sedan, accompanied by a scuff in the dust layer and faint finger-print impressions. No such damage was present on the vehicle prior to the incident, according to Traynere’s own statements.
Child’s Account
In interviews, the young bicyclist recounted seeing the illuminated crosswalk sign, believing it safe to proceed. He described being unaware of the turning vehicle until impact. His bicycle sustained a bent front wheel and damaged chainring, but officers noted that his injuries—bruising and mild abrasion—were non-life-threatening.
Legal Considerations and Citations
Failure to Yield Under Illinois Law
Illinois Vehicle Code 11-1002(a) mandates that drivers yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and bicyclists in marked crosswalks. A violation constitutes a petty offense punishable by a fine, possible traffic-school referral, and points against the driver’s license.
Hit-and-Run vs. Traffic Violation
Under Illinois law, a hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a motor vehicle collision fails to stop and identify themselves or render reasonable assistance if injury or property damage occurs. In this case, prosecutors elected not to pursue hit-and-run charges, citing Traynere’s eventual stop at the police station and her claim to have been uncertain whether a collision occurred.
Potential Legal Outcomes
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Traffic Court: The citation is likely to be adjudicated in municipal court, where Traynere may choose to contest the ticket or accept a plea agreement.
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Civil Liability: The child’s family may elect to pursue a civil claim for negligence, seeking damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property loss.
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Ethics Inquiry: As an elected official, Traynere may face an ethics review by the Will County Board, which could impose additional sanctions or require remedial training.
Official Statements and Political Repercussions
Traynere’s Comment Through Counsel
In response to media inquiries, Traynere’s attorney, Joe Giamanco, issued a brief statement asserting that the incident has been “dramatically taken out of context” and that his client “contests the single citation” she received. He characterized early claims that the child was “run over” as “patently false and defamatory.” Giamanco emphasized that details remain subject to court proceedings and urged the public to refrain from judgment.
County Board Reaction
At the next regularly scheduled Will County Board meeting, colleagues expressed concern over the optics of the incident but stopped short of calling for resignation or formal disciplinary action. Board Chairperson Karen Lopez stated, “We respect the legal process and trust that the facts will come to light. Our priority must be upholding public confidence in our shared commitment to road safety and the rule of law.”
Opposition and Media Scrutiny
Republican county commissioners and local conservative commentators have seized upon the episode as evidence of a “double standard” in accountability. Editorials have criticized Traynere for allegedly abusing her position and called for stricter consequences if the facts bear out. Conversely, some progressive activists have cautioned against prematurely vilifying Traynere before all legal avenues have run their course, highlighting the presumption of innocence.
Broader Issues: Pedestrian Safety and Public Trust
Crosswalk Safety in Suburban Communities
The incident underscores broader challenges facing suburban jurisdictions, where rapid residential growth often outpaces the installation of safe pedestrian infrastructure. According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians account for nearly 15% of all traffic-related injuries in Will County. Advocates argue that additional measures—such as raised crosswalks, enhanced lighting, and automated enforcement cameras—could reduce these figures.
Public Officials and The Rule of Law
When elected representatives become embroiled in legal controversies, public trust can erode rapidly. Polling by the University of Chicago’s Harris School suggests that nearly two-thirds of voters believe public officials should be held to higher ethical and legal standards than private citizens. This episode tests that principle: while Traynere retains the legal right to defend herself, her perceived delay in rendering aid and initial departure from the scene have fueled calls for greater transparency and accountability.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
Parental Concerns and School Policy
Parents in nearby subdivisions have voiced unease over the potential for similar incidents, pressing school districts to reassess walking-bus routes and explore staggered start times to alleviate traffic congestion. The local PTA has petitioned for additional crossing guards during peak hours and has begun fundraising for a roadside pedestrian refuge island.
Law Enforcement and Policy Recommendations
Bolingbrook Police Chief Andre Wallace announced plans to increase patrols at high-incident intersections and to collaborate with traffic engineers on practical improvements. He also encouraged drivers to participate in a forthcoming “Share the Road” awareness campaign aimed at reducing bicycle-vehicle conflicts.
Judicial Timeline
Traynere’s arraignment on the failure-to-yield citation is set for mid-May in the Bolingbrook Municipal Court. Should she plead not guilty, the case will proceed to trial and involve witness testimony, review of video evidence, and cross-examination of forensic findings. Sentencing—if a conviction occurs—will be determined under the Illinois Sentencing Act, factoring in Traynere’s lack of prior driving infractions and the non-severe nature of the child’s injuries.
Conclusion
The collision involving Jackie Traynere and the young bicyclist has become a focal point for debates over road-safety policy, the legal responsibilities of elected officials, and the mechanisms by which public servants are held accountable. As the legal process unfolds, stakeholders—from community members demanding safer streets to political figures weighing in on due process—will watch closely. The outcome of Traynere’s court case, any subsequent civil litigation, and potential Board ethics proceedings will all contribute to the broader discourse on trust, transparency, and the imperatives of protecting vulnerable road users in rapidly growing suburban landscapes.
Adrian Hawthorne is a celebrated author and dedicated archivist who finds inspiration in the hidden stories of the past. Educated at Oxford, he now works at the National Archives, where preserving history fuels his evocative writing. Balancing archival precision with creative storytelling, Adrian founded the Hawthorne Institute of Literary Arts to mentor emerging writers and honor the timeless art of narrative.