Thousands of cyclists took over DuSable Lake Shore Drive, enjoying a 15-mile car-free stretch with the Chicago skyline as their backdrop during the 2024 Bike the Drive event.
Organized by the Active Transportation Alliance, a Chicago nonprofit advocating for walking, biking, and public transit improvements, this annual event has temporarily closed streets to motor vehicles for 23 years, drawing thousands of cyclists each year. Keating Law is proud to sponsor Bike the Drive, supporting the important work of the organization.
According to a post on X from the Active Transportation Alliance, "Bike the Drive isn't just about the thrill of biking on DLSD. Our spectacular event on Sun. morning is also about making our beautiful region a better place for walking, biking, and transit. You're not just riding a bike; you're pedaling for a purpose!"
Chicago Is For Cyclists, But Accidents Still Happen
Chicago is known for its bike-friendly roads. The city has earned Silver status from the League of American Bicyclists, after all. Events like Bike the Drive underscore Chicago's cycling community. However, serious and fatal bicycle accidents still happen in Chicago. In an average year, over 1,700 bicycle accidents occur in the city.
Bicycle crashes are often devastating because cyclists lack the protection that cars provide, leading to severe injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage. To avoid accepting a lowball settlement, it's important for injured bicycle accident victims to understand the law and their legal options. If you were injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver, contact one of our experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyers for free information about your case.
What Every Cyclist Needs To Know About Riding Bicycles In Chicago
To help avoid a crash and ensure they can seek compensation if they're injured in an accident, here's what every cyclist should know about riding a bicycle in Chicago:
- Cyclists have the same rights as drivers. You can claim compensation if a driver's negligence causes an accident.
- The passing law. Illinois law requires vehicles to maintain several feet of space when passing cyclists.
- Liability in accidents. Illinois is an at-fault state. The driver's insurance may cover your injuries and damages, but proving fault is key. You can still recover compensation even if you're partially at fault, but your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Uninsured motorist coverage. If a driver lacks insurance, your own auto policy may cover your injuries if you have uninsured motorist protection.
- "Dooring" law. In Illinois, drivers are legally required to check for cyclists before opening their doors. Violations could support your claim.
- Act quickly. Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, circumstances can mean a person has even less time to seek compensation after a bicycle accident. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a crash for a free case evaluation to learn about the statutes and limitations that apply specifically to your situation.
Cyclists should know these specifics to protect themselves, avoid potential fines, and ensure they can seek compensation if they're injured in an accident. Understanding the law helps cyclists ride more safely and assert their rights if they're harmed due to a driver's negligence.
We Fight For Injured Chicago Bicycle Accident Victims
After an accident, contacting a lawyer helps ensure proper compensation for medical bills, long-term care, and lost wages, especially when facing insurance companies. If you've been injured in a bicycle accident, don't face the aftermath alone. Contact Keating Law Offices, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer. Our law firm has years of experience fighting and winning for bike accident victims. Our case results include:
- $550,000 settlement for a Chicago cyclist with a fractured tibial plateau from a school bus accident in Harvey—one of Illinois' largest settlements for a non-paralytic, non-fatal bike collision.
- $500,000 settlement for the family of a McHenry County cyclist who died in a rural intersection collision with a motor vehicle.
If you were injured in a Chicago bicycle accident, contact us online or at 833-CALL-KLO today to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
