Is Riding a Bike Safer Than Driving in Illinois?

Is riding a bike safer than driving in Illinois? It’s a question that comes up often, especially in cities like Chicago, Naperville, and Springfield, where cycling is on the rise. With more people turning to bikes for commuting and recreation, safety has become a growing concern, both for riders and drivers.

While biking can reduce stress and avoid heavy traffic, it also exposes riders to motor vehicle dangers, especially where bike lanes are limited or ignored. Knowing your rights, following traffic laws, and using safety equipment like helmets are all part of staying safe, but accidents still happen.

This guide explores how biking compares to driving in terms of risk and what legal protections exist under state laws.

What Are the Statistics of Car Accidents vs Bicycle Accidents in Illinois?

The state’s 2023 crash data provides insight into how bicycle accidents compare to car accidents, both in volume and severity.

Regarding bicycle accidents:

• 2,885 total bicycle accidents
• 2,599 pedalcyclists injured
• 354 serious injury cases
• 41 fatalities

While bicycle accidents make up a small percentage of total crashes statewide, they still represent 3.0% of all injuries, 4.0% of serious injuries, and 3.3% of all crash-related deaths. Cyclists are often more exposed in a collision, making head injury, broken bones, and other trauma more likely.

When it comes to motor vehicle crashes:

• 334,235 total crashes involved passenger cars
• 70,179 people were injured in passenger car crashes
• 4,218 of those were serious injuries
• 871 people died in crashes involving passenger cars
• 488 of those killed were vehicle occupants

Even though drivers are protected by their vehicle’s structure, they made up 66.3% of all injuries and 64.6% of fatalities. The highest injury counts came from turning and rear-end collisions, often in busy traffic.

While car accidents lead to dramatically more total injuries and deaths, that’s partly because far more people use cars than bicycles. When comparing risk per mile or per trip, cyclists often face higher personal risk due to their exposure to the elements, lack of protection, and vulnerability in collisions with motor vehicles. 

Even with proper equipment and efforts to wear helmets, the risk remains high, especially on roads without protected bike lanes.

Bicycle vs Passenger Vehicle Safety Statistics by County

Across many counties in Illinois, passenger vehicle crashes far outnumber bicycle-related incidents. However, when it comes to severity, particularly fatal or incapacitating injuries, cyclists face risks that are disproportionately high compared to motorists.

Below is a breakdown of select counties and cities in Illinois, showing the total number of reported crashes, fatalities, and injuries involving both passenger cars and bicycles for a clearer picture.

Kane County

Kane County reported a total of 89 bicycle accidents, which led to 76 injured cyclists, 11 classified as serious injuries, and three fatalities. During the same timeframe, there were 9,988 passenger car crashes, resulting in 2,387 injuries, 130 considered serious, and 30 deaths.

The city of Aurora recorded 4,560 passenger car crashes, including nine fatalities, 1,168 injuries, and 34 serious injuries. Bicycle-related incidents totaled 47, with one fatality, 41 injuries, and two serious injuries.

In Elgin, there were 2,129 car crashes, with two fatalities, 566 injuries, and 18 serious injuries. The city also had 20 bike crashes, resulting in 1 death, 19 injuries, and three serious injuries.

DuPage County

DuPage County recorded 157 bicycle-related crashes, leading to 143 injuries, 17 considered serious, and four fatalities. Meanwhile, 21,421 passenger vehicle crashes resulted in 5,001 injuries, 176 severe cases, and 40 deaths.

Aurora saw a total of 4,560 passenger car crashes over the reporting period, resulting in 9 deaths, 1,168 injuries, and 34 categorized as serious. In comparison, there were 47 reported bicycle accidents in the city, including one fatality, 41 injuries, and two that involved serious harm.

In Naperville, 3,100 car crashes were reported, with two fatalities, 667 injuries, and 27 serious injuries. The city also saw 28 bicycle crashes, with no fatalities, 25 injuries, and four considered serious. 

Wheaton recorded 663 car crashes, one fatality, and 153 injuries, with eight bike crashes resulting in 7 injuries and no fatal or serious injuries.

In Bolingbrook, there were 1,516 passenger car crashes, one fatality, 378 injuries, and 17 serious injuries. The village had five bike crashes, all of which resulted in injuries, with none proving incapacitating or fatal.

Will County

In Will County, 47 bicycle crashes occurred, with 44 cyclists injured and 4 suffering serious injuries. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported among cyclists. On the other hand, there were 14,835 car crashes, causing 3,589 injuries, 169 of them serious, and 30 deaths.

In Aurora, there were 4,560 reported passenger car crashes, which led to 9 fatalities, 1,168 people injured, and 34 suffering serious injuries. That same period saw 47 bicycle accidents, including one fatal crash, 41 injuries, and two considered serious.

Naperville reported 3,100 car crashes, resulting in 2 deaths, 667 injuries, and 27 that were classified as serious. The city also recorded 28 bicycle-related incidents. While none were fatal, 25 resulted in injury, and four were considered serious.

In Joliet, there were 3,799 reported crashes involving cars, with seven fatalities, 1,109 people injured, and 39 classified as serious injuries. Just 15 bicycle crashes were reported in the city, but all led to injuries, including two that were serious.

Bolingbrook recorded 1,516 passenger vehicle crashes, with one fatality, 378 injuries, and 17 severe cases. There were five reported bike crashes, all of which caused injuries, though none resulted in death or incapacitating harm.

Kendall County

Kendall County reported just seven bicycle collisions, all resulting in injuries but none classified as severe or fatal. In contrast, 2,124 passenger vehicle crashes led to 484 injuries, 35 severe cases, and three deaths.

Aurora recorded 4,560 passenger vehicle collisions during the reporting period, resulting in 9 deaths, 1,168 injuries, and 34 classified as serious. In contrast, the city saw 47 bicycle accidents, with one fatality, 41 injuries, and two that involved serious harm.

Winnebago County

Winnebago County saw 35 bike crashes, with 30 cyclists injured, three seriously hurt, and one fatality. The county also recorded 7,031 car crashes, leading to 1,665 injuries, 81 serious injuries, and 22 deaths.

The city of Rockford reported 4,828 car crashes, 14 fatalities, 1,072 injuries, and 38 serious injuries. Rockford also had 21 bicycle crashes, resulting in 1 death, 17 injuries, and one serious injury.

Cook County

Cook County had the highest crash volume across Illinois, with 1,975 bicycle accidents leading to 1,754 injuries, 205 serious injuries, and 14 cyclist deaths. Meanwhile, 194,780 passenger car crashes caused 36,843 injuries, 1,818 severe, and 343 fatalities.

Elgin reported 2,129 car accidents, which led to 2 fatalities, 566 injuries, and 18 serious injury cases. During the same period, there were 20 bicycle crashes in the city, including one fatal incident, 19 injuries, and three classified as serious.

In Oak Park, there were 1,612 reported car crashes, one fatality, 264 injuries, and eight serious injuries, with 22 bicycle crashes, 20 injuries, and one serious injury.

Schaumburg had 1,993 car crashes, six fatalities, 594 injuries, and nine serious injuries, alongside 11 bicycle crashes–all resulting in injury, but no deaths or severe cases.

In Skokie, 1,907 car crashes were recorded, with five fatalities, 422 injuries, and 12 serious injuries. There were 30 bicycle crashes, with one death and 27 injuries.

Cicero saw 2,689 car crashes, one fatality, 417 injuries, and 17 serious injuries. There were 43 bicycle crashes resulting in 36 injuries and six serious injuries.

Sangamon County

Sangamon County reported 38 bike crashes, with 30 injured riders, six severe cases, and three fatalities. Among 4,817 car crashes, 1,144 injuries, and 63 serious injuries were recorded, along with 20 deaths.

Springfield recorded 3,744 car crashes, 12 fatalities, 921 injuries, and 49 serious injuries. It also had 32 bike crashes, with three deaths, 25 injuries, and six serious injuries.

Peoria County

Peoria County recorded 26 bike crashes, resulting in 22 injuries, seven serious injuries, and two deaths. There were 4,136 passenger vehicle crashes during the same period, leading to 1,209 injuries, 115 serious, and eight fatalities.

The city of Peoria reported 3,212 car crashes, resulting in 3 fatalities, 996 injuries, and 90 serious injuries, along with 23 bike crashes, two deaths, 20 injuries, and six serious injuries.

Lake County

Lake County reported 101 bicycle accidents, with 91 injured riders, 18 serious injuries, and two fatalities. The area also saw 13,138 vehicle crashes, which included 3,326 injuries, 167 severe cases, and 41 deaths.

In Waukegan, 2,424 car crashes occurred, resulting in 11 fatalities, 680 injuries, and 18 serious injuries. There were 13 bike crashes in Waukegan, with 13 injuries and one classified as serious.

Champaign County

Champaign County had 48 bike crashes, with 46 injuries, five serious injuries, and one fatality. Among 3,439 car crashes, 945 injuries and 66 serious injuries were reported, along with 12 deaths.

The city of Champaign reported 1,847 car crashes, with one fatality, 490 injuries, and 26 serious injuries. It had 28 bike crashes, resulting in 27 injuries and no fatalities.

What Are the Bicycle Laws in Illinois?

In Illinois, a bicycle is legally considered a vehicle, meaning cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. The Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/) outlines regulations designed to promote safe driving, improve traffic flow, and protect all road users–including cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians. Many cities also enforce additional bicycle lawsand regulations through local ordinances.

Right of Way

Drivers are required to yield the right of way to bicycles when turning or entering a roadway, just as they would for any other vehicle. Cyclists are required to follow the rules of the road, including respecting the right of way at intersections, crosswalks, and stop signs.

Bike Lanes

Many Illinois cities have designated bike lanes to help separate cyclists from motor vehicles. Motorists are prohibited from driving or stopping in bicycle lanes. Parked cars alongside these lanes also pose risks–especially if a door opens unexpectedly into a cyclist’s path.

3-Feet Passing Rule

The 3-feet passing rule requires drivers to give at least three feet of clearance when passing a bike moving in the same direction. This law aims to reduce blind spots, lower the chance of sideswipes, and help cyclists face fewer hazards on busy streets or during heavy traffic.

How to Prevent Bicycle Accidents

Understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents helps cyclists stay alert and ride in a way that protects both themselves and others on the road.

Use Proper Safety Equipment

• Wear helmets: While not required statewide, a properly fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of a head injury in a fall or collision.
• Install lights and reflectors: Front and rear lights are required at night, and reflectors improve visibility in low-light conditions.
• Use audible signals: A bell or horn alerts pedestrians and drivers to your presence, especially when passing or turning.

Ride Predictably and Obey Traffic Laws

• Ride with traffic: Always travel in the same direction as cars to stay visible and follow the law.
• Follow all signals: Obey stop signs, traffic lights, and other control devices–just like any other vehicle.
• Signal your moves: Use clear hand signals to indicate turns and stops so others know your intentions.
• Stop when required: Come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs to avoid conflicts and potential citations.

Be Cautious at Intersections

• Stay visible: Use lights, reflectors, and bright clothing to increase your visibility to drivers.
• Make eye contact: Try to connect with drivers visually so you know they’ve seen you before crossing.
• Avoid blind spots: Don’t ride alongside cars waiting to turn; drivers may not know you’re there.
• Leave space near parked cars: Ride far enough away to avoid getting hit by an opening door.

Stay Alert and Ride Defensively

• Expect the unexpected: Assume drivers may not see you and be ready to react.
• Hold your line: Don’t weave between cars or dart in and out of traffic.
• Don’t rely on a false sense of safety: Stay alert to your surroundings, even in bike-friendly areas.

Plan for Weather and Visibility

• Use reflective gear and waterproof lights: Make sure you’re seen, especially in low light or rain.
• Adjust your speed: Wet or slick roads during inclement weather increase stopping distances–ride slower and brake earlier.
• Watch for hidden hazards: Puddles and ice can cover potholes or create slippery surfaces.

What Are Your Legal Options If You Get in a Bike Accident in Illinois?

If you’ve been injured in a bike accident in Illinois, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your bicycle accident damages, including:

• Medical expenses and future treatment
• Lost wages due to time away from work
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of normal life

These claims typically arise when a motor vehicle driver violates traffic laws, fails to yield the right of way, opens a door into a cyclist’s path, or causes a crash through impaired judgment or distracted driving.

In some cases, the city or a property owner may share liability if poor road maintenance, unsafe bike lanes, or debris caused the collision.

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), meaning that you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the crash, as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. However, the amount you recover could be reduced based on your share of fault.

Insurance information and liability disputes can complicate these cases, so working with a skilled legal team is essential. Your lawyer can gather witness statements, document injuries, and help you secure compensation that reflects the full cost of your recovery.

Book a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Our legal services in bicycle accident cases are designed to support you through every step.

We begin by investigating the accident thoroughly to identify fault, reviewing the scene, traffic conditions, and any available footage. We collect key evidence such as witness statements, photographs, and documentation that support your account of what happened. 

Our team also handles all communications with insurance companies, including reviewing insurance information and pushing back if adjusters attempt to minimize your claim. We carefully calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and any costs related to ongoing or future care. 

If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are prepared to represent you in negotiations or take your case to court when necessary.

If you work with us, you won’t need to worry about upfront costs. Our Chicago-based bicycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee, which means we don’t get paid unless we secure compensation.

Contact us to schedule your free consultation and explore your legal options.