Bicycle Laws in Illinois

Whether in busy downtown Chicago or traveling through the state’s southern plains, biking in Illinois can be a pleasurable and convenient way to get around. You have the same rights and responsibilities as any other motorist on the state’s roads and paths. 

Be that as it may, bicycles offer freedom and mobility, but they are not without limits. State and local laws dictate where and how cyclists can ride their bikes. 

Therefore, biking responsibly in Chicago means familiarizing yourself with the regulations that commonly affect cyclists. Depending on the circumstances, violating these laws can lead to fines and increase the likelihood of a bicycle accident.

Here are nine such rules you should know before you take your next bike ride:

1. Ride To the Right

First and foremost, you should always ride your bike as far to the right-hand side of the street or trail as you can. Doing so provides the maximum physical separation between motorists and other vehicles on the road. 

Of course, you do not need to (nor should you) ride so far to the right that you endanger yourself or risk encountering hazards. Allow yourself room to avoid parked cars, storm drains, and other obstacles. Additionally, you can move to the left when overtaking other cyclists/vehicles or when making a left turn.

2. Use Bike Lanes When Available

If your community has streets equipped with designated bike lanes, use them. These lanes cannot be used by cars or trucks and are designed to give you and your fellow bicyclists a safe space to operate on the road. While using a bike lane, remain vigilant for parked vehicles whose occupants might suddenly open their doors, as well as other similar dangers.

3. Obey All Traffic Signs and Signals

Just like any other motorist on the road, you must pay attention and adhere to all traffic lights and signals. Stop for red lights and stop signs, and be aware of intersections with protected turn signals. 

Bicyclists can only safely ignore signs that they simply cannot obey, such as those explicitly intended for large trucks. Otherwise, if a motorist would have to follow the sign, so would a bicyclist.

4. Learn and Follow Right-of-Way Laws

Knowing how and when to yield the right of way is essential to safely navigating intersections. Bicyclists must yield to vehicles that arrive at an uncontrolled intersection before them. They must also yield to any oncoming traffic when they intend to turn left. Whenever a bicyclist is in doubt, allowing other traffic to clear an intersection is advisable before proceeding.

5. Yield To Pedestrians on Sidewalks

Even though there is no state law that wholly prohibits bicyclists from using sidewalks, not every local community permits the practice. In communities that allow cyclists to ride on the sidewalk, they must yield to pedestrians in all circumstances. Bicyclists cannot ride their bikes on a sidewalk in any way that endangers pedestrian safety.

6. Use Hand Signals For Turns and Stops

Just as a car driver must use their turn signals and brake lights to make their intended movements clear to others on the road, bicyclists must use hand signals to do the same. 

All signals should be given far enough in advance so that motorists can react to your intended movements. These signals should be given even farther in advance at night and during inclement weather.

7. Wear a Helmet, Even If Not Required

Illinois does not have a statewide law requiring bike riders to wear helmets. 

Regardless, some local municipalities have helmet ordinances that riders in those towns and cities must follow. Bicyclists should, therefore, always consult local laws to check whether they must wear helmets. Some apply only to children below a certain age, while others may apply to adults and children.

Even though helmets may not be required, wearing one is always a good idea. A properly fitted bike helmet certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission can significantly reduce the risk of a head injury in the event of a crash.

8. Riding Two Abreast

One bicyclist is permitted to ride alongside another so long as neither of them impedes the normal flow of traffic. However, bicyclists cannot ride more than two abreast on the road. They may only do so on paths or in bike lanes. Even then, they must remain entirely on the path or within the bike lane while riding three or more abreast.

9. Bicycle Safety Equipment

Lastly, biking safely in Illinois means ensuring that your bicycle has the appropriate safety equipment. For example, bicycles should have a front reflector or light visible for at least 500 feet and a rear reflector or light that can be seen for up to 600 feet. All bike parts, including the brakes and gears, should be adjusted and function properly.

Illinois Bike Laws Promote Safe Cycling

Bicyclists are held accountable for following each of these rules any time they set out. By seeking to follow them, you will have made significant strides toward making your next bicycling adventure fun and safe. The rules regarding safety equipment are essential in protecting you from needless accidents and injuries.

Even if you cannot remember all of these laws, you should remember that bicyclists traveling on the street must follow all the rules of the road that trucks and cars must follow. Considering your bicycle like any other vehicle will help you naturally abide by most of the bicycle laws you must follow.