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Chicago Bicycle Laws and Regulations
Bicyclists in Chicago must understand the laws, regulations, and rules for riding a bike in order to avoid legal and safety consequences in the future. Not following proper Illinois traffic and bike safety laws can result in devastating accidents or costly legal fines.
With many variations in bicycle traffic laws from state to state, the best way to learn and observe these laws before disaster strikes is to break them down into simple terms.
It can be frightening and alarming to be involved in a bicycle accident. Regardless of circumstances or fault, it’s imperative to have a skilled and experienced legal team on your side. Our Chicago bike crash lawyers can help you protect your rights in the aftermath of an accident.
Illinois State Laws Governing Bicycles
Chicago bike riders must obey Illinois traffic laws when on the road. Numerous state-level traffic laws pertain to bicyclists in Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois.
Rights and Duties Under Illinois Law
Under Illinois vehicle code (625 ILCD 5/), bicycles are considered vehicles. Therefore, they must have the same rights and duties as motorists on the road, with some specific exceptions, such as crosswalk usage.
“The regulations in the traffic code applicable to bicycles shall apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon any roadway or public sidewalk or upon any public path set aside for the use of bicycles, subject to those exceptions stated herein.”
Required Equipment for Bicycles
According to Illinois state law (625 ILCS 5/11-1507), bikes must always be equipped with certain features for safety.
- Lights: At nighttime, a front white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet is required on a bicycle. A steady or flashing red light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet is also required on the rear of the bike only if a reflector is not present.
- Reflectors: If there is no rear red lamp on the bicycle, a rear red reflector visible at distances from 100 to 600 feet is required. Pedals also require reflex reflectors.
- Brakes: Every bicycle is required to have brakes that help control the bike and stop movement when applied.
- Helmets: While helmets can protect your skull in case of an accident, they are not required statewide in Illinois. Some municipalities may require a helmet for children on bicycles.
- Sirens: With the exception of state or local authorities, sirens are not permitted anywhere on a bike.
Riding on Roadways
When riding a bicycle on a roadway, the presence of bike paths, sidewalks, and multiple lanes can make navigating tricky.
- When Riding with Traffic: According to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1505, if a bicyclist is traveling lower than the normal speed of motorists, they must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the road.
- Exceptions to Riding on the Right Side of the Road: You don’t need to ride as far right as practicable “when overtaking another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction,” when making an authorized left or right turn, or when necessary to avoid collisions with “fixed or moving objects” like parked cars or pedestrians.
- Bike Lanes: Cyclists are permitted to ride in bike lanes when they are available, but they are not legally required to do so.
- Riding on Sidewalks: According to the Chicago Municipal Code, riding a bike on sidewalks is generally prohibited unless such sidewalk is designated as a bicycle route or the cyclist is using such sidewalk to enter a bike path or street. The North Sheridan Road sidewalk is prohibited to cyclists over 12 years old. Local traffic ordinances and laws may vary.
Traffic Laws Applying to Cyclists
Cyclists must generally obey the same traffic laws as other motorists.
- Yielding the Right of Way: Bikes must always give pedestrian traffic the right of way on crosswalks and sidewalks. They must also provide right of way to other vehicles when the law requires, such as when entering a roadway.
- Signaling Turns: Similar to motorists, cyclists must use hand and arm signals to indicate when turning, decreasing speed, or stopping.
- Passing Rules: Bikes may pass or overtake slower-moving or standing vehicles going in the same direction on roadways with due caution. On sidewalks and crosswalks, bikes must yield right of way and give an audible signal when passing. Vehicles can pass bikes with due caution and at least three feet of clearance.
- Riding Two Abreast: Bikes can ride two abreast (side by side) on roadways only if it does not impede the “normal and reasonable movement of traffic.” On bike paths, cyclists may ride more than two abreast if room. Local ordinances may vary.
Illinois Laws on Distracted Cycling
Under Chicago Municipal Code 9-52-110, cyclists are prohibited from using a mobile communication device, such as a cell phone, digital assistant, or mobile computer while operating the bike with a few exceptions:
- Hands-free or voice-activated devices are allowed.
- Law enforcement or emergency responders are exempt from this law when on duty on official capacity.
- A stationary bike can use a communication device.
- Use of these devices are allowed when reporting an emergency and communicating with emergency personnel.
Illinois Laws on Cycling Under the Influence (DUI)
Under Illinois DUI laws specifically, bicycles are not considered vehicles. Therefore, DUI laws do not apply to cyclists riding a bike and there are currently no biking under the influence laws. Operating a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol is not recommended for safety of yourself and those around you, but there are no specific DUI statutes that apply.
"Idaho Stop" Law
In certain states, an “Idaho Stop” law applies where bicyclists can treat stop signs as yield signs, meaning that they don’t have to come to a complete stop. Under this law, cyclists can also treat red lights as stop signs instead. Illinois does not follow this law. Bicyclists must come to a complete stop at both stop signs and red lights, just like motorists.
Chicago-Specific Bicycle Ordinances
The city of Chicago has specific ordinances to protect cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers from accidents.
Registration of Bicycles
Bicycles are not required by law to be registered by the state. Many ordinances encourage registration, including Chicago, as it can help track stolen bicycles by law enforcement, however.
Where Can You Ride Your Bike in Chicago?
- Bike Lanes: When bike lanes are present in Chicago, cyclists are encouraged to use them, but it is not legally required. When bike lanes are not present, cyclists must remain as far to the right as practicable and must follow the same direction of traffic.
- Sidewalk Riding Restrictions: In Chicago, it is illegal to ride on a sidewalk unless it is a designated bicycle path or you are crossing the sidewalk to access the nearest roadway or a bicycle share station.
- Riding on the Lakefront Path: Bikes are prohibited from operation on Lake Shore Drive, including any public area where signage prohibits the use of bikes. Chicago’s Lakefront Path and other multi-use trails are open to bicycles, including low-speed electric bicycles, with the exception of Class 3 low-speed electric bicycles (the fastest legal e-bikes).
Chicago's "Dooring" Ordinance (9-80-035)
In Chicago, parked motor vehicles must check for bicycle and pedestrian traffic before opening their car door. According to ordinance 9-80-035, doors should not open to the side of traffic until it is reasonably safe to do so and should not remain open longer than necessary to load and unload passengers.
Obstructing the path with a car door that causes a violation of the dooring ordinance is subject to a $1,000 fine for each offense.
Rules for Carrying Passengers on Bicycles
In Chicago, a bicycle mustn’t carry more passengers than the bike is designed for. There is an exception for cyclists carrying an infant in a sling or backpack only.
Rules for Parking Bicycles in Chicago
According to state law (625 ILCS 5/11-1513), parking your bicycle in Chicago must not impede any motor vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic. Bikes are allowed to be parked on the sidewalk unless otherwise prohibited by traffic control signage or personnel.
Bikes can also be parked individually or abreast one another on roadways “at any angle to the curb or the edge of the roadway” where parking is legal. However, bikes cannot obstruct any parked motor vehicle from moving. Any highway parking must adhere to all parking laws regarding highways.
Towing and Impounding
Bicycles can be towed or impounded when abandoned in any public way within the city of Chicago. Bikes are considered to be abandoned when they are in such disrepair that they cannot be operated or show other signs of abandonment, such as not being moved within seven days.
The Department of Transportation will affix a notice to an abandoned bicycle, and if no action is taken within seven days of the notice, the bike can be removed.
Penalties for Violations of Chicago Bicycle Ordinances
Violating bicycle-related ordinances in Chicago can accrue hefty fines or even arrests depending on the violation and criminal history. Some violations, such as failure to yield right-of-way to a bicycle when turning, can accrue fines of $150.00. Other ordinances, such as dooring ordinances, are subject to $1,000 fines.
Obstructing bike lanes can accrue fines of up to $250. Reckless driving that results in serious injury or death of a bicyclist can even result in criminal charges as serious as felonies.
Cyclists may also pursue personal injury or property damage claims against violators of bicycle ordinances that cause accidents, causing further financial consequences.
Motorist Responsibilities Towards Cyclists in Chicago
When operating a motor vehicle, drivers have a duty to drive responsibly, including avoiding bicyclists when applicable.
- The Duty of Care: Motorists have a legal obligation to avoid careless or negligent acts against others, including bicyclists. When motorists violate bicycle ordinances or cause accidents with bicycles, they have breached that duty of care.
- Yielding the Right of Way to Cyclists: Just like any other vehicle, motorists must yield the right of way to bicycles when applicable. On crosswalks and bike lanes, motorists are to treat cyclists as pedestrians and must yield the right of way to prevent accidents.
- Safe Passing Laws: Motorists must maintain a safe distance (at least three feet) when passing or overtaking a bicyclist for any reason.
- Avoiding “Dooring” Accidents: Motorists must legally check for cyclists before opening doors to avoid accidents.
Chicago Bicycle Safety Resources
Chicago cyclists need to stay safe and responsible on the road by learning their rights, Chicago laws, and safety regulations. Helpful organizations and resources include:
What to Do if You've Been Involved in a Bicycle Accident in Chicago
Bicycle accidents can be terrifying, but damages can be mitigated when practical safety advice is followed.
- Get to Safety: Assess your injuries. If you are in harm’s way, do what you can to move to the side of the road or sidewalk.
- Call 911: You’ll want to establish a police report for the accident and summon ambulances if required.
- Get Medical Attention: You can ask for an ambulance during your 911 call. Even if you are not seriously injured, consider getting medical attention for safety, records, and peace of mind.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and videos if possible of your bicycle, involved vehicles, and injuries. Don’t throw away any evidence like clothing or broken bicycle parts.
- Obtain Contact Information: You will need to gather contact information from the driver for insurance and legal purposes, including name, address, phone number, license plate number, and insurance information. If there were any witnesses, obtain their contact information as well.
- Contact a Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney: An attorney can walk you through your options, insurance filing, and legal steps after your accident.
Secure Expert Legal Representation!
Our Illinois bike crash lawyers have represented thousands of clients with success, including bicycle accident victims. We can help you file insurance claims, understand your rights, represent you in court, and recover damages from bicycle accidents. Consultations are entirely free to discuss your case. You don’t need to worry about fees unless your case is won!
