Chicago is a popular city for bicycling, but navigating the hustle and bustle can be dangerous if you’re not careful. This helpful guide provides some tips for staying safe while biking through the streets of Chicago.
If you’re hurt in an accident, the experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyers with The Illinois Hammer Injury Attorneys can help you hold reckless drivers accountable and get the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call 888-742-6637 today for a free consultation.
Understand Chicago’s Bicycle Laws
Under Illinois law, bicyclists have the same rights as other motorists, but they must also follow the same rules of the road. Generally, that means following all traffic signs, riding on the right side of the road, and yielding in the same situations as other drivers.
For most bicycle law violations, there is a $25 fine. However, a trip to jail can result if you don’t pay it. Failing to abide by Chicago bicycle laws can also complicate your legal claims after an accident, as the other party may argue you were partially responsible for your injuries.
Use Designated Bike Lanes and Trails
If bike lanes are available, you are legally required to use them unless doing so is unsafe or you’re travelling the same speed as traffic. These lanes are often adjacent to vehicle traffic, so it’s important to stay alert, use hand signals when turning, and exercise caution around other vehicles. Chicago law also discourages riding on sidewalks that are not specifically designated for bicycle use.
If you encounter any hazards or unsafe conditions on Chicago bike lanes, you can report them to authorities through Chicago’s 311 system.
For more information on Chicago’s network of bike lanes and trails, visit the Bikeways Program website.
Wear Proper Safety Gear
Safety equipment can be the difference between getting mildly hurt in an accident and suffering severe preventable injuries or even death. Key gear for Chicago bicyclists can include:
- A helmet that fits properly
- A horn or bell
- Front and rear reflectors
- Additional reflectors and lights if riding at night
- A proper basket, bag, or container for carrying items
Check your tire pressure, brakes, and bell before riding to ensure you can stop safely, alert others, and avoid collisions.
Stay Alert and Practice Defensive Riding
Many best practices for safe driving also apply to cycling, with the caveat that you’re much more vulnerable to injury on a bike than in the driver’s seat. Here are some tips for avoiding collisions and biking smartly:
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians when in crosswalks.
- Use the far side of the bike lane when you’re next to parked cars, minimizing your chances of getting hit by a car door.
- Be mindful of other vehicles, especially in intersections. Some larger vehicles might not see you before making a turn. Practice looking behind you while riding to check your blind spots.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic. It sounds simple, but according to the city, about a fifth of all bike crashes involving cars happen because a cyclist rode into wrong-way traffic.
- Minimize distractions. Using headphones to talk or listen to music can drown out sounds alerting you to hazards or incoming vehicles.
- Erratic behavior when riding can lead to a crash, as drivers will expect you to stay in your lane and generally observe traffic laws. Take care to stay predictable to other motorists.
- Chicago’s most dangerous roads for bicyclists include Clark Street, Damen Avenue, Halsted Street, and Milwaukee Avenue. Bicycling on Lake Shore Drive is also generally against the law, though it is occasionally opened to cyclists for events.
Be Prepared for Bad Weather
Poor weather conditions can make biking much more dangerous, raising the chances of falling or crashing without another vehicle involved.
When facing rainy or icy weather, it’s important to slow down. Brakes work more slowly when wet, and it’s harder to see hazards in poor visibility. Roadways are also particularly slick right after rain starts. Take extra care if you must bike through snow, as it can hide ice patches.
Reflective equipment, lights, and bright clothing can improve your visibility in bad weather, similar to best practices while riding at night.
Act Quickly If You’re Injured in a Bike Accident
After a bicycle crash, ensure your safety first. Move out of the way of any traffic or other hazards, then check for any injuries. If you’re seriously hurt, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
Exchange contact and insurance information with any other parties involved in the accident. If you can, also get contact information from any nearby witnesses.
Document the scene if you can. Take photos of your injuries and any damage to your bike or other surroundings. Note if you see any security cameras, as that footage can serve as evidence later.
After you get medical attention, contact a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Getting started on your claim immediately will give you the best chance of recovering compensation, as evidence will be stronger and easier to find right after the crash.
Ride Smart, Stay Safe, and Know Your Legal Options
It’s easy to see why Chicago encourages and supports bicycle travel. When done properly, biking through the city can be a fun, healthy, and safe method of transportation.
However, injury accidents are always possible on the roadways. If you’re hurt while biking in Chicago, The Illinois Hammer is ready to fight relentlessly to win you the compensation and justice you deserve. Call us today at 888-742-6637 to schedule your free case review.
