Is Illinois Really a Bicycle-Friendly State?

Illinois has made significant strides in becoming more bicycle-friendly, but whether it truly earns this label depends on various factors, including infrastructure, safety, and advocacy efforts. Here’s an evaluation of Illinois’ bicycle-friendliness based on several key aspects.

Infrastructure

1. Bike Lanes and Trails:
   • Chicago: The city has over 200 miles of on-street protected, buffered, and shared bike lanes, along with the extensive Lakefront Trail. Chicago’s Divvy bike-share program further enhances accessibility.
   • Statewide Trails: Illinois boasts numerous bike trails, such as the Illinois Prairie Path, a 61-mile multi-use trail, and the Great River Trail, stretching over 60 miles along the Mississippi River.
2. Bike-Friendly Cities:
   • Batavia: Batavia, a suburban town in Kane County, was recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bicycle Friendly Community.
   • Bloomington-Normal: Recognized for its dedicated bike lanes, trails, and bicycle-friendly policies.
   • Champaign-Urbana: Offers a network of bike paths and was designated a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.

Safety

1. Accident Rates:
   • Despite improvements, urban areas, particularly Chicago, still report significant bicycle accidents. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 2,448 reported bicycle accidents in Illinois in 2019, with the majority occurring in Cook County.
   • Efforts are ongoing to improve safety, including better signage, education campaigns, and infrastructure enhancements.
2. Legislation and Policies:
   • Illinois has implemented several bicycle-friendly laws, such as the three-foot passing law, which requires motorists to maintain a three-foot distance when overtaking bicyclists.
   • The state has also adopted Complete Streets policies, ensuring that new transportation projects consider the needs of all users, including cyclists.

Advocacy and Community Support

1. Organizations and Advocacy:
   • Active Transportation Alliance: This organization advocates for safer and more accessible bicycling, walking, and public transit in the Chicago region.
   • Ride Illinois: A statewide advocacy group promoting safe and enjoyable cycling through education, legislation, and community outreach.
2. Events and Initiatives:
   • Illinois hosts numerous cycling events, such as Bike the Drive in Chicago, which opens Lake Shore Drive exclusively to bicycles for one day.
   • Initiatives like Bike to Work Week encourage more residents to commute by bicycle.

Recognition

1. League of American Bicyclists:
   • Illinois ranks 15th in the League of American Bicyclists’ 2022 Bicycle Friendly State Rankings. Factors considered include infrastructure, funding, education, and enforcement.
   • Several Illinois cities, including Chicago, Urbana, and Evanston, have been designated Bicycle Friendly Communities.
2. Public Opinion:
   • Surveys and feedback from cyclists often highlight both the strengths and areas for improvement in Illinois’ approach to bicycle infrastructure and safety. While many appreciate the extensive trail systems and city bike lanes, concerns remain about traffic safety and maintenance.

Conclusion

Illinois has made considerable progress toward becoming a bicycle-friendly state, particularly in urban areas and through statewide trails. However, challenges such as safety concerns and the need for more comprehensive infrastructure improvements persist. Continued efforts from government, advocacy groups, and community initiatives are essential to enhance the state’s bicycle-friendliness further.

Accidents involving bicyclists can result in serious, and potentially, fatal injuries. It is important for communities to continue to work on their infrastructure to improve safety for bicyclists, especially when they have to share the road with vehicles.

Contact the Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the experienced Illinois personal injury lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates. Our personal injury law firm is committed to supporting bicyclists and helping injured cyclists navigate their injury claim.