Do You Have to Wear a Helmet on a Bicycle in Illinois?

All bicyclists know that wearing a helmet is important to prevent serious head injuries, but do you have to wear a helmet on a bicycle in Illinois? Abiding by the law is essential, especially if you are involved in a bike crash that could include negligence.

In this state, there is no single rule requiring cyclists to wear helmets, but that doesn’t mean you never have to wear one. Local ordinances in various cities and towns require the use of helmets while cycling.

At Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers, we can help bicyclists understand their rights and when helmet use is required. If you are hurt in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, our attorneys can stand by your side throughout the claims process.

Does Illinois Have Mandatory Helmet Laws?

The primary law regarding the operation of vehicles in this state, including bicycles, is the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/). There is no statewide law about forcing bicyclists to wear helmets. Therefore, the state has opted to leave it to individual municipalities to enforce any rules. However, the use of a bike helmet is recommended across the state for safety reasons.

Numerous studies have shown that helmet use can make a huge difference in preventing serious head injuries. Even if there are no mandatory helmet laws in your city or county, wearing a helmet could save you from a lifelong struggle with your health.

What Are the Local Ordinances Regarding Helmet Use While Bike Riding in Illinois?

Many local municipalities throughout Illinois do not have specific helmet laws enforced. However, there are a few exceptions:

Skokie – Under Section 106-233, bike riders who are children under 16 years old must wear helmets that meet national safety standards whenever they are on a public way, sidewalk, or bike path.
Cicero – Until 2017, Section 94-542 outlined helmet laws for certain riders, but this statute has been repealed.
Chicago – Chicago requires only bike messengers and delivery people to wear helmets while riding within city limits.
Oak Park – Under Section 15-2-23, children under the age of 17 must wear helmets when bicycle riding in Oak Park.
Schaumburg – Under Section 73.20, only operators of electric scooters and e-bikes must wear a helmet.

Bicycle Safety Tips to Prevent Serious Head Injuries

Head injuries can have lasting effects for the victim. For example, a traumatic brain injury could leave you with chronic pain, mobility issues, or other health complications. Even if there are no mandatory helmet laws in your city, it is still wise to take steps to protect yourself from head injuries, especially for young riders.

Here are some additional tips that can support helmet use with safe riding practices:

Follow the rules of the road and highway safety guidelines, which apply to bicyclists in the state of Illinois
Scan your environment frequently to be aware of other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians around you
Understand basic bike hand signals when cycling on roadways to signal your intentions to others
Make audible signals and use a bell when passing pedestrians or cyclists on walkways and roadways
Follow all traffic devices and traffic laws according to local ordinances
Ride defensively, keeping an eye on potential accident factors like people pulling out of side streets or speeding through yellow lights

Book a Free Consultation

Bike riding comes with its own risks, especially if you ride in proximity to other traffic. Getting hurt in a bicycle accident can be a traumatizing experience, especially if someone else is at fault for your injuries. Fortunately, you can pursue compensation for legal damages if you are no more than 50% at fault for the accident.

Legal damages you can recover in a bicycle accident claim include:

Lost wages (for missed time at work)
Medical expenses (emergency room visits, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy)
Future lost income
Future medical bills
Property damage
Emotional distress (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts)
Pain and suffering
Disability and disfigurement (for injuries that cause permanent changes to your body or physical capabilities)
Loss of enjoyment of life

At Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers, our attorneys believe in your case and will support you through the entire legal process. Whether you were injured while bike riding by a motor vehicle, pedestrian, or other cyclist, our team can increase your chances of a settlement.

Our legal services include:

Investigating the accident to establish liability
Using a damaged bike helmet as physical evidence
Helping you understand helmet laws in your city
Gathering evidence from the scene, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and photos
Assessing and proving legal damages to maximize the settlement
Negotiating with insurance companies for full compensation
Litigating in civil court if necessary

At our top-rated bicycle injury law firm in Illinois, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome. We also offer a free case review so you can ask questions about bike lane accidents, helmet laws for young riders, or navigating complex claims.

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How you doing I don't do this very often I have to recommend Jonathan as a lawyer that I can trust he did his job and I was very satisfied thank you very much Jonathan I recommend you

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A little over 3 months ago I was involved in a bicycle accident in the city. I was side swiped by a cab driver who did not stop. I was lucky enough to get the cab company’s name before the driver was completely...

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