The best bike lanes in Chicago make transportation much easier for cyclists. With millions of residents, business travelers, and vacationers in the city at any given time, traffic congestion can cause a lot of issues. Cars, trucks, taxis, buses, and subways can help you get from place to place, but there are more economical and healthy alternatives.
Bicycling is becoming a more popular method of transportation in the Windy City. Some people ride bikes to commute to work, while others do so for recreational purposes. Chicago is making big strides in bicycle infrastructure, especially in adding bike lanes.
However, accidents do happen, and our Chicago bicycle accident lawyer team can guide you through the claims process if you have been hurt in a collision.
The Benefits of Dedicated Bicycle Lanes
When bikes and motor vehicles travel on the same roads, there is a high potential for accidents. Bicyclists have many of the same rights as drivers when they must share the road, but plenty of drivers do not realize it or fail to pay attention.
Dedicated bike lanes make it safer for cyclists to traverse the city. They create fewer conflicts and moments of confusion between riders and drivers. Bike lanes also encourage more people to take advantage of this alternative form of transportation. Plus, many intersections incorporate new traffic signals to include bike lane traffic.
Types of Bike Lanes in Chicago
Not all bike lanes are the same. Depending on the location of the street or intersection, bike lanes take different forms to facilitate the flow of bicycle traffic.
Protected lanes, also known as cycle tracks, are reserved specifically for cyclists and usually exist on busy streets or intersections. Buffered bike lanes include a painted buffer to differentiate them from the main traffic lanes and prevent crossover incidents.
A conventional lane flows in the same direction as other traffic and is typically right next to the curb. Shared lanes, sometimes called sharrows, have markings painted onto the streets to indicate a shared space for bikes and vehicles.
Chicago has a growing network of bike lanes that is slowly adding safer routes for many commuters, travelers, and residents.
Chicago’s Best Protected Bike Lanes
Many protected lanes are located throughout the city. Within the North Side, Clark Street between West Edgewater and West Devon has a protected stretch, as well as Belmont Avenue between North Kimball and North Western.
North Broadway Avenue, West Roscoe Street, and West Grand Avenue are known for protected stretches with physical separation from the rest of the road.
Chicago’s Best Buffered Bike Lanes
Buffered bike lanes have designated areas painted for cyclists that include additional space between normal traffic and the lanes. North Milwaukee Avenue, West Division Street, and South Halsted Street have some of the most well-known stretches of buffered lanes.
Elston Avenue, Lawrence Avenue, Armitage Avenue, and Damen Avenue all have some of the longest stretches in the city.
Chicago’s Best Scenic Bike Routes
If you are interested in paved paths and scenic rides, Chicago has no shortage of these options. The most popular scenic bike route in the city is the Lakefront Trail, which is a mostly off-street route along the shore of Lake Michigan.
The Lakefront Trail runs for 18.5 miles from the North Side to the South Side. The Lincoln Park Access Trail is a continuation of the Lakefront Trail on the northern side of the city.
The North Branch Trail, which combines paved and unpaved paths along the North Branch of the Chicago River, is 20 miles long. The 606, also called the Bloomingdale Trail, is a former abandoned rail line that has been turned into a 2.7-mile multi-use path.
Lastly, the Major Taylor Trail is 8.1 miles long and combines a lengthy off-street stretch with shared lanes and greenways.
You can also hit several routes that include parks or scenic locations. Humboldt Park and Willow Springs are beautiful spots to bike in, or you can take the Lakefront Trail as a direct route to the Museum Campus.
Tips for Staying Safe While Cycling in Chicago Bike Lanes
Whether you cycle along a busy street like Milwaukee Avenue or use protected routes with barriers, you must prioritize safety in Chicago, IL.
Use lights and bright or reflective clothing even during the daytime. Follow traffic laws, including speed limits. Always signal your intentions to those nearby, including vehicle drivers and walkers, per municipal code 9-52-045.
Be aware of your surroundings and watch for road hazards. Be prepared for turning vehicles that may not look for cyclists in bike lanes or shared roadways, which often results in left- or right-hook accidents.
A dooring accident may occur when a vehicle occupant opens their door into the path of an approaching biker, so follow the four-foot rule and leave space between yourself and parked cars. Maintain the condition of your bike and invest in proper equipment per municipal code 9-52-080.
Lastly, always wear your bike helmet and protective gear, especially if you will be riding in bike lanes that are next to or on roadways.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Bicycle Accident in a Chicago Bike Lane
Although Chicago streets are becoming safer for bikers, you should never relax your guard. If you do get into a bike accident, you must prioritize your health and legal options. For example, if you get hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you could seek compensation with a legal claim.
The best way to protect your future is to follow these steps. First, focus on receiving medical treatment for serious injuries. Call 911 so emergency services come to the accident scene. Relay the incident to the Chicago police so an official report is created.
Document the scene as much as possible by gathering photos, videos, and witness contact information. Do not admit fault to anyone and consult a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
Although the improving infrastructure in Chicago is a sign of safer riding protocols, there is still a danger due to road hazards, other drivers, and streets without bike lanes. Sticking to safer routes can help you avoid a visit to the ER, but accidents can still happen and result in serious injuries.
Our law firm will support your legal claim as you seek compensation for the damages suffered. Whether you have faced lost income, high medical expenses, or emotional distress from your accident, our Illinois bicycle accident lawyer will fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Contact us today to schedule a free legal consultation about your Chicago bike accident.
