If you live and work in Chicago, IL, you are certainly familiar with the idea of traffic congestion. Millions of residents call this city home, and plenty more visit the area for business reasons. Rather than sitting for hours in traffic or relying on personal vehicles to get around, many commuters are turning to bicycles to ride to work.
Bicycle commuters are a growing population in Chicago, primarily because of recent steps the city has taken to improve its infrastructure. These include adding bike lanes to more streets, enhancing signage and traffic signals, and creating initiatives to encourage more people to ride their bikes to work.
Even so, accidents in Chicago can happen and cause serious injuries, but our Chicago bicycle accident attorney team will guide you through the claims process.
Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities as a Bike Commuter in Chicago
First, you must understand your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist. While you have the right to use the road in similar ways to drivers, there are some key distinctions. You have the right to use the road just like cars, trucks, and buses. You must yield the right of way just as other drivers do, per municipal code 9-52-040.
If there are designated bike lanes on certain streets, you should use them unless it is impractical. Knowing your rights and responsibilities will prioritize safety, making the experience more fun.
Planning Your Chicago Bike Commute
Riding a bike to work may seem like a simple alternative to driving a car or taking a taxi, but it requires far more planning. You must be more attentive to your safety since you will likely be riding on streets without the protection of a typical vehicle. Here are some tips for planning your route effectively.
First, choose the right bike for commuting. An off-road bike with no carrying spaces may not be ideal for packing a lunch or outfit and riding on the streets. You could also rent a Divvy Bike or invest in folding bikes.
Consider purchasing a pannier or bag to carry your work essentials. Make sure you have a high-quality helmet and protective gear to wear. Fenders can prevent mud or water from splashing on your work clothes. You should also buy a quality locking mechanism for the bike.
You may need reflectors or lights to increase visibility while you cruise. Once you are geared up, you should plan your route ahead of time. Consider viewing a map of Chicago’s bike lane network to find the safest route. Always check your brakes and tires before each trip.
Lastly, remember bike parking and security. If possible, lock your bike securely in bike racks or corrals near your work location.
Chicago Bicycle Laws
Multiple local and state laws govern how you should use a bike in Chicago. The state’s rules of the road grant you the same right to use roadways as other drivers, but you must understand proper signaling practices, per code 9-52-045, and when to use bike lanes instead.
To signal a left turn, you would point outward with your left hand. To signal a right turn with that hand, you would hold it upright at a 90-degree angle. To signal a stop, hold your arm downward at a 90-degree angle.
In the city, riding a bike on the sidewalk is typically illegal unless otherwise marked, per code 9-52-020. This is to ensure the sidewalk is safe for people walking.
Dooring is an unlawful type of accident that occurs when a vehicle occupant opens their door into the path of a bicyclist. To avoid this issue, follow the four-foot rule, keep your distance from parked cars, and stick to the left side of the bike lanes.
You must obey the same traffic signs and laws that all other vehicles and pedestrians do.
Safe Riding Techniques for Chicago Bike Commuters
Safety should be your top priority whenever you ride your bike to work. Ride in a straight line and signal your intentions visually. Be visible by using lights, reflectors, and bright clothing. Be aware of your surroundings by scanning the road ahead and behind you frequently.
Ride more cautiously near intersections and in inclement weather. Wear a helmet and protective gear, even if it must be fitted over your work clothes.
If aggressive drivers are nearby, try to put some distance between yourself and them, even waiting for them to pass by.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Chicago
After a bicycle accident, you should focus primarily on your health and potential legal options. If possible, get to safety and seek medical help for your injuries. Contact the police to report the accident and have an official file created. Document the scene by collecting photos, videos, and witness contact information.
Before you speak to other insurance companies, consult a bicycle accident lawyer to discuss potential claims.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
Whether a car ran you into the curb or a pothole threw you over the handlebars, getting injured in a bike accident could have a devastating impact on your life. If someone else’s negligence caused the crash, our Illinois bicycle accident attorney team will support you as you seek compensation for legal damages. Contact us today to schedule a free legal consultation.
