Anyone who rides a bicycle around Chicago needs to know where and how to do so legally. Understanding Chicago bike lanes is crucial for obeying the law and can also help cyclists and drivers alike reduce their chances of a crash.
Types of Bike Lanes in Chicago
The different types of Chicago bike lanes include:
- Conventional Bike Lanes: These are striped lanes on the roadway marked with a bicycle symbol and arrows. Cyclists should stay within the lane and avoid the “door zone” near parked cars.
- Marked Shared Lanes: These lanes, which have bicycle symbols and chevrons to distinguish them from other lanes, can accommodate cars and bicycles. They are typically located where a full bike lane cannot fit on the roadway.
- Buffer-Protected Bike Lanes: These lanes feature extra space between cyclists and parked cars or moving vehicles to reduce the chances of a collision. Cyclists should use the designated space to avoid potential collisions with people opening their car doors.
- Barrier-Protected Bike Lanes: Physical barriers, such as curbs or bollards, separate these bicycle lanes from car traffic. They are often located next to sidewalk curbs, with parked cars creating an additional buffer between cyclists and moving vehicles.
- Off-Street Bike Paths: These dedicated cycling paths are separated entirely from roadways. They generally provide a safer environment for cyclists, especially for recreational use or commuting without vehicle traffic.
Do Cyclists Have to Ride in Bike Lanes in Chicago?
Cyclists in Chicago don’t always need to ride in bicycle lanes, but state and local regulations encourage riders to use them when available and safe. Cyclists must follow the same rules as drivers. They must ride as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Cyclists can leave a bike lane or the far-right side of the road when preparing for a left turn, overtaking another cyclist or vehicle, avoiding hazards like debris or parked car doors, or if the lane is too narrow to share safely with a vehicle.
Local laws prohibit cyclists ages 12 and older from riding on sidewalks unless the sidewalk is marked as a bike route, which is common on many scenic bike paths in Chicago. In areas without bike lanes, cyclists may take the full lane if necessary for their safety. Cyclists should always focus on being predictable, visible, and compliant with applicable laws while using city streets to maintain a safe ride for themselves and others.
Why Should I Use a Bike Lane?
The primary reason for using a bike lane in Chicago is that bicycle lanes form a barrier between you and other traffic. While cyclists have the right to use normal traffic lanes, doing so exposes them to bigger, heavier vehicles with unpredictable drivers. Cyclists are often safer by using bike lanes whenever they are available.
Contact Our Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Bicycle collisions can happen even when you are using a bike lane and following the rules. The Chicago bicycle accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can take on your case and pursue fair compensation on your behalf. Call now or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.
