Bike Safety Tips to Avoid Accidents in Chicago
Car Accident,Personal Injury - March 28, 2024 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
If you or somebody you love enjoys riding a bicycle, whether for recreational purposes or as a method of transportation to get from place to place, then you know safety is paramount. Bicyclists are incredibly vulnerable to severe injuries in the event an accident occurs. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were more than 2,500 total bicycle crashes across the state during the latest reporting year. Out of these incidents, 2,338 were injury crashes, and 24 were fatal crashes. Here, we want to discuss some bike safety tips that can help you avoid accidents and injuries.
5 Bike Safety Tips
1. Wear a Helmet
Illinois does not have a helmet law in place for bicyclists, and Chicago only requires that messengers and delivery bicyclists wear helmets. However, helmets save bicyclists’ lives by protecting riders from sustaining severe traumatic brain injuries.
2. Protect Your Body
Other parts of the body can be easily injured in the event a cyclist is involved in an accident. If possible, wear clothing that covers your skin to protect from road rash. Wearing sport sunglasses can stop dust and bugs from getting in your eyes while riding.
3. Know The Traffic Rules
In most places, bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as cars. This includes obeying street signs and traffic lights, riding with the flow of traffic, and watching out for pedestrians around you.
4. Stand Out To Others
Bicyclists should wear bright clothing to make it easy for other drivers and pedestrians to see them. Bicyclists should also put lights and reflectors on their bicycles to help with visibility.
5. No Distracted Biking
While we understand that you may have your cell phone with you to stay connected and to listen to music while riding, distracted biking is just as dangerous as distracted driving.
Popular Cycling Areas in Chicago
Chicago offers an endless amount of incredible places to ride a bicycle. Cycling enthusiasts in the area suggest the following places for cycling:
- Chicago Lakefront Trail
- The 606
- Chicago Riverwalk
- North Shore Channel Trail
- North Branch Trail System
- Des Plaines River Trail
- Garden Route from Evanston to Glencoe
- Horsy Loop in Barrington Hills
There are many more areas where recreational bicycle riders can enjoy the scenery. We also recognize that many people use their bicycles as their main method of transportation, and these riders regularly contend with the heavy traffic on the streets of Chicago. When bicycle riders are continuously in close proximity with passenger vehicles, accidents are much more likely to occur.
Injured In A Bike Accident? Call Us Today!
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by the negligence of another person, contact the team at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates today. We have extensive experience handling these cases and will work to secure any compensation you may be entitled to. This can include coverage of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering damages, and more. When you need a Chicago bicycle accident attorney, please call our Chicago office at (312) 372-8822. You can also call our toll free number at (800)-985-1819.
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Where do Most Bicycle Accidents Occur?