Free Consultation
Injured in a bicycle accident? Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights.
Chicago Bicycle Events
Bicycle events in Chicago have helped this city develop a unique cycling culture. Millions of residents and travelers live, work, play, and find adventures in the Windy City, and transportation is an essential aspect of life. Many people rely on bikes to get around the city for commuting or other purposes. Some simply enjoy the recreational and health benefits of riding a bike.
Whether you are an experienced bicyclist with thousands of miles logged, or you just enjoy a calm bike ride on a sunny Saturday, Chicago offers plenty of opportunities to get out on the road. However, biking in this busy metropolitan can be dangerous, and if you get into an accident, our Chicago bike accident lawyer team can support your legal claim.
What Makes Chicago A Great City for Cycling
Chicago, IL, is an ideal city for avid riders for multiple reasons. First, the biking infrastructure improves every year. New bike lanes are consistently added to popular routes, traffic signals adapt to accommodate more bikers, and more bike rentals are available for those who do not own a bicycle. As the infrastructure improves, biking is becoming a safer option for all.
There are also plenty of parks and trails throughout the city that bicyclists can enjoy. Millennium Park, Grant Park, Humboldt Park, Lakefront Trail, and North Branch Trail are all beautiful spots to ride and can accommodate varying ride durations.
One of the most exciting aspects of life in Chicago, IL, is the number of biking events. Annual cycling events, charity rides, private groups, and even races occur throughout the year. Whether you prefer riding with some friends as a team in a race or taking over some of the largest streets downtown for an afternoon, there is an event for every type of biker.
Major Annual Cycling Events in Chicago
If you want to ride your bike alongside some of the thousands of bikers in and around the city, there are plenty of annual cycling events to try out. Some are focused more on leisurely rides, while others are to promote certain charities. Let’s look at some notable cycling events that occur each year in Chicago, IL.
Bike the Drive is a massive annual event that typically occurs at the end of Summer, in late August or early September. It is a fundraising event for the Active Transportation Alliance, which is dedicated to improving the safety of various transportation methods in the city. The 30-mile course will start in Grant Park and proceed along DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
Another large event is the Chicago Critical Mass ride. This ride occurs on the last Friday of each month, regardless of the weather or time of year. It is simply a gathering of bikers who start their ride at Daley Plaza around 6 p.m.
Bike Out Negativity is a newer event that has been around for five years. It features numerous youth organizations and is free to the public. A festival precedes the ride, which typically occurs in May. The ride itself is a leisurely six-mile journey.
Smaller and Recurring Rides and Races
Some of the larger cycling events may attract hundreds or even thousands of riders to participate. Maybe you are looking for a smaller crowd or a competitive race. Here are a few of the smaller rides and races you could look into this year.
Many smaller rides are connected to specific bike shops. BFF Bikes, for example, is a highly recommended equipment and repair shop that organizes bike camping trips and rides to the Chicago Botanical Garden.
Criteriums are races that occur on short courses, often less than a mile long. Chicago Grit is a great example of a criterium that involves top bikers from around the world for an extremely competitive race. The Skyway Classic is a great option for those interested in trying out competitive racing.
If you are interested in the world of bicycle advocacy, there are numerous organizations and meetings to connect with. The Active Transportation Alliance is a great option that focuses on making all transit methods safer. West Town Bikes uses bicycling to empower young people and appears at many community events to teach about safe cycling.
Multiple bike routes throughout the city have organizations dedicated to maintaining trails and planning events, such as Friends of Bloomingdale Trail or Friends of the Calumet-Sag Trail.
Charity Rides and Cycling Fundraisers
If you want to experience a bike ride at whatever pace you prefer while supporting a good cause, there are plenty of charity rides throughout the year. Bike the Drive is a promotional event and fundraiser for the Active Transportation Alliance that is open to the public.
The Cycle for Survival event is on the calendar each year in February and supports cancer research, though this event uses stationary bikes. Pedalpalooza is an event that takes place during the month of July. Participants attempt to ride 100 miles in July, supporting the Access for Every Child Fund at Lurie Children’s.
Bike Repair Workshops and Clinics
If you are past the bike rentals and are interested in becoming a more avid biker, then you must take advantage of the numerous bike shops and clinics around the city. Many of these businesses offer classes throughout the week to learn safer cycling or how to take care of your bike.
BFF Bikes, for example, offers events like indoor cycling classes and a Fix-a-Flat clinic. Ciclo Urbano is a full-service bike shop connected to West Town Bikes that has Open Shop days, Build-a-Bike classes, and Basic Bike Maintenance courses. At Kozy’s Cyclery, you can take bike repair classes at certain hours to gain experience and take better care of your bicycle.
How to Stay Safe at Chicago Cycling Events
Whether you are looking for bike rentals, races to compete in, or open events for leisure rides, riding a bicycle in Chicago, IL, can come with some risks. Even the presence of bike lanes and new traffic signals may not protect you completely from potential accidents.
A collision with a motor vehicle during a bicycle event could be deadly. Here are some safety tips to follow when cycling in Chicago to prioritize your health.
First and foremost, you should understand the rules of the road in Illinois, especially if you are riding alongside nearby traffic. Always use bike lanes when possible or stick to the right side of the road. Understand visual signals bikers must use when making turns. Wear a helmet and any additional protective gear at all times.
Visibility is essential when riding a bike in a busy city like Chicago, IL. You should wear clothing that is reflective and visible to drivers and other cyclists. When riding at night, make sure your bike has the proper reflectors and lights equipped.
Be a predictable rider and always communicate your intentions visually with hand signals per municipal code 9-52-045. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep an eye out for road hazards, such as potholes or uneven surfaces.
If you get into a bicycle accident, especially if the collision involves a motor vehicle, you must follow certain steps in the aftermath. Prioritize medical treatment for any injuries you may suffer. Gather information from the accident scene, such as witness contacts, photos, or videos. Confirm insurance information if a driver is involved.
Report the accident to the police to create an official report. Do not admit fault for the accident to anyone, especially an insurance company. Lastly, you should consult an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Chicago to discuss your legal options for a compensation claim.
Expert Legal Counsel Should You Get Injured at a Biking Event!
When you get injured while riding a bike in Chicago, IL, you could be eligible for a compensation claim if someone else’s negligence caused the accident. Whether you were riding for pleasure in Millenium Park or competing in a race in June, you could receive a settlement for the legal damages you suffered.
Our legal team is ready to support your claim and build a strong case for compensation. An experienced lawyer can pursue a fair settlement to cover medical expenses, lost income, property damage, emotional distress, or even loss of enjoyment of life.
If you want to schedule a time for a free consultation with our law firm, contact us as soon as possible. Let’s start working toward fair compensation for your bicycle accident today.
