Illinois Injury Law Blog

Chicago is well known for scenic riding tours enjoyed by so many bicycling residents and visitors. The Lakefront Trail alone brings the peacefulness of nature to the big city and a picturesque view for all to enjoy. According to the City of Chicago , there are 30 miles of shared lanes, 117 miles of on-street bike lanes, and many more miles of off-street paths. Plus, more than 12,000 bike racks and bike-parking areas make it convenient for riders. Plenty of reasons why bicycling is such a popular mode of transportation in our area.

Like with most good things though, there are certain dangers involved when bicycling on congested roadways in a vastly urban area. So-called "doorings" are probably the most common cause of Chicago bicycling accidents, which is when motorists open their vehicle door into a bicyclist riding along the street.

Cook County bicycle accident attorneys know that distractions caused by texting is another common cause of bicycle accidents in Chicago, which is why some thought is being given to banning the dangerous behavior.

The Chicago Tribune reports that state officials want to hold all roadway users to the same standards and principles in order to reduce distraction-related fatalities on Illinois roadways. The Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee is proposing to make it illegal to text or talk on a cell phone without a hands-free device while riding a bike. In 2010, there were more than 1,600 crashes that involved a cyclist, five of which resulted in fatality. The bike text ban ordinance proposes that violators be fined $20 to $50 for the first offense. A second offense would incur a $50 to $75 penalty, and three or more cited violations would be fined $75 to $100. Any bicycling texter involved in a crash could be fined as much as $500.

Even with separate bike-only lanes and off-road bike paths, bicyclists have a considerable amount of fear for accidents while riding. Common fears that can lead to a serious accident include: inclement weather causing icy conditions, aggressive drivers, distractions, car doors opening, and motorists or pedestrians veering into a bike path.

The City of Chicago Department of Transportation hopes to erase some of these fears by developing safety strategies in the Bike 2015 Plan. The plan was adopted in 2006 but is a work in progress. With more than 150 strategies, the bicycle program looks to improve three areas of bicycling: bikeways, parking, and safety and education. By placing emphasis on these three areas, Chicago can become safe for more and more bicyclists.

If you want to enjoy the sites of Chicago while building a healthier you, visit City of Chicago online for bicycling information, bike maps, bike parking and bike safety. Having a bike map, knowing where to rack your bike, and keeping a few safety tips in mind can make riding more enjoyable and safer for everyone.