How to Stay Safe While Using Shared Bicycles in Illinois

Shared bicycles have become a popular, affordable, and eco-friendly way to travel around various cities in our state. In Chicago, we have a sizeable and ample DIVVY system, whereas other smaller municipalities roll out programs across the state. These shared bikes provide quick access for two-wheeled travel. Yet, like with almost anything, with increased bicycle ridership comes an increased need for street safety. The question is, how do these DIVVY bikes peacefully coexist in sharing the road with cars, trucks, and other vehicles? Here is what you need to know to stay safe when using shared bicycles in Illinois.

Common Dangers and Safety Tips for Using Shared Bicycles in Illinois

In Chicago, there are thousands of shared bike trips that occur daily.  According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, bike-related crashes involving shared bikes are a persistent concern, particularly in high-traffic zones and almost all intersections. Unfortunately, many incidents involve riders unfamiliar with traffic rules. For example:

1. Bicyclists must ride in the direction of traffic.
2. Bicyclists must obey stop signs and traffic lights.
3. Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.

There are other safety tips for using shared bicycles. While bike-share programs usually do not provide helmets, wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of serious injury. When one is a frequent shared bicycle rider, they often see riders investing in lightweight, collapsible helmets for convenience. Safety is paramount.  Bicyclists should use bike lanes whenever they are available. While many cities do not have the infrastructure for bike lane networks, seek out a bike lane network whenever possible.

Bicyclists must be careful when a parked car is opening a door into the rider’s path.  This phenomenon is called “dooring” and is a common cause of crashes. Bicyclists should be cautious around trucks, buses, and turning vehicles. At times, shared bicycles can be less nimble than a personal bicycle, so give yourself room and adequate time to react.

DIVVY offers single-ride and daily passes with e-bikes and standard pedal bikes.  While the city does have an extensive bike lane network, the city is not “made up” of bike lanes. The DIVVY app will show real-time availability and routes available to assist the bicyclist. Other municipalities, such as Champaign-Urbana, have a dockless system that serves University students and residents as well. Yet, there are some municipalities, such as Naperville, Evanston, and Peoria, which have piloted their own bikeshare systems.

Shared bicycles make transportation more accessible, but safety should never take a backseat. The Law Offices of Kaveny + Kroll were involved with the first-ever DIVVY bike death in North America. The case went to trial, and the Law Offices of Kaveny and Kroll obtained a verdict of 7 million when a DIVVY bicyclist was struck by a right-hand turning truck.

Injured in a Bicycle Accident? Our Chicago Bike Lawyers Can Help

If you have been injured in a bicycle collision or injured by someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced bicycle injury trial lawyer at Kaveny and Kroll. Our office has obtained multiple verdicts and settlements for our bicycling clients.  Law Offices of Kaveny + Kroll is committed to cycling safety in the City of Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, and throughout the State of Illinois. Contact the bicycle lawyers at Kaveny + Kroll for a free consultation online or by calling (312) 761-5585.