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A Practical Guide to Bike Commuting Safely in Chicago!
Ever been halfway down Milwaukee Avenue at rush hour when a car door swings open ten inches from your handlebar? Most Chicago riders have had that moment. Most of the time, you swerve and keep going. Sometimes you don’t.
In this blog post, we’ve covered bike commuting in Chicago the way it actually works on the street. We walk through gear checks, the laws that apply to you, the habits that keep you out of trouble. Read on to know.
What Makes Bike Commuting in Chicago Different?
Riding a bike in Chicago is something that we all do. It is also crowded, which makes it unforgiving. Delivery vans stop in bike lanes, rideshare drivers pull over without looking, and the weather changes block by block. Your rights on the road are the same as a driver’s. Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11-1502) gives cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. That means you follow signals, stop signs, and lane markings like everyone else.
A few local rules catch commuters off guard:
- You cannot ride on Lake Shore Drive.
- Some Chicago sidewalks allow cycling under §9-52-021, but North Sheridan Road is excluded.
- Lighting rules apply after dark, and they are written into the city code.
Riding Habits That Keep Commuters Out of Trouble
Gear helps, but habits do most of the work. Here are the situations that cause the most trouble for Chicago bike commuters.
- Stay Out of the Door Zone
Parked cars line most commuter routes. Stay at least 3 feet away from them and check for people sitting inside. Opening a car door into traffic is illegal. Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11-1407) and Chicago Municipal Code 9-80-035 both prohibit it until the door can be opened safely. A driver or passenger who doors a cyclist and causes a crash faces a fine of up to $1,000. Read more about bike dooring accidents and how they happen.
- Watch Turning Traffic
Turning cars are one of the biggest risks at intersections. A driver turning right may cut across your path, which is a right-hook accident. A driver turning left across your lane causes a left-hook accident. Make eye contact when you can. Slow down at every intersection, even with a green light. Never assume a driver has seen you.
- Handle Tracks, Potholes, and Weather
Walk your bike across railroad tracks. Slow down when you see potholes or broken pavement. In wet or slick weather, brake earlier and ride more gently through corners. Cold months change everything about the ride, from tire grip to how early the sun sets.
What to Do After a Bike Commuting Crash in Chicago?
Adrenaline can hide injuries. Take these steps in order once you can:
- Check yourself for injuries and move to a safe spot.
- Call 911 and ask for medical help.
- Get the driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information.
- Take photos and video of the scene, your injuries, and your bike.
- Seek medical care, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, such as concussions, may not show up right away.
- Keep every medical bill and proof of missed work.
- Skip recorded statements to insurance adjusters until you have spoken with a lawyer.
How Our Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers Help After a Crash?
A commute should end at your office, not in an emergency room. If a crash does happen, medical bills and missed paychecks can pile up quickly. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts.
Our team represents injured cyclists across Chicago and nearby communities. We can review your policy, gather evidence such as traffic camera footage and witness statements, and negotiate with the insurer for you. If a fair settlement is not offered, we are prepared to take your case to court.
You can meet the attorneys on our team, read about bicycle accident settlements we have handled, or see the locations we serve. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a future outcome.
Take Professional Assistance from Our Chicago Attorneys
Ride predictably, keep your lights charged, and stay out of the door zone. If you are hurt, contact us or schedule your free consultation today. Illinois deadlines are short, so don’t wait.
FAQs
Is it illegal to ride a bike without lights at night in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago law (§9-52-080(a)) requires a white front light visible from 500 feet and a red rear light or reflector visible from 200 feet after dark. Riding without them can bring a ticket and makes you much harder to see.
Do I have to wear a helmet while biking in Chicago?
No. Neither Chicago nor Illinois requires adult cyclists to wear a helmet. Chicago does require helmets for on-duty bike messengers and delivery riders. Wearing a properly fitted helmet is still wise.
What if I was partly at fault for my bike crash?
You can still recover compensation in Illinois if you were 50% at fault or less. Your award is reduced by your share of the blame. At 30% fault on a $100,000 claim, you would recover $70,000.
Is dooring illegal in Chicago?
Yes. Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11-1407) and Chicago Municipal Code 9-80-035 both prohibit opening a car door into traffic until it is safe. A citation is strong evidence of negligence.
Does my car insurance cover me while I am on a bike?
Often, yes. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your auto policy usually protects you when you are struck while cycling. Read about underinsured motorist bike collisions and bring your policy to a consultation.
Legally Reviewed By
Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld
Reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld The material on this page has been legally reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC. Mr. Rosenfeld and his team have experience representing injured cyclists in bicycle accident cases in Chicago. With a focus on personal injury law, they help bicycle accident victims understand their legal options and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from their injuries.
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