Articles Posted in Bicycle Accidents

By Zneimer & Zneimer P.C.

A tragic bicycle fatality in Bridgeport has once again highlighted one of the most overlooked dangers facing Chicago cyclists: “dooring.”

According to recent reports, 35-year-old Riley O’Neil, a Chicago Department of Transportation employee and advocate for safer streets, was riding his bicycle in a marked bike lane when a parked vehicle’s door was opened directly into his path. The impact threw him into traffic, where he was struck by an oncoming truck and killed. (Chicago Sun-Times)

Electric bikes have become increasingly popular throughout Illinois, providing a convenient and affordable transportation option for thousands of riders. But as e-bike technology has evolved, so have safety concerns. Some of today’s high-powered electric bikes and e-motos can travel at speeds exceeding 28 miles per hour—fast enough to cause catastrophic injuries when collisions occur.

Recognizing these dangers, Illinois lawmakers recently passed legislation that would establish new statewide regulations for high-speed electric bikes, electric scooters, and similar micromobility devices. If signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker, the new rules will take effect on January 1, 2027. The legislation creates important distinctions between traditional low-speed e-bikes and faster devices that operate more like motorcycles. Among other requirements, certain high-speed electric bikes will now require registration, insurance, and a valid driver’s license. They will also be prohibited from operating on bike paths and bicycle lanes.

For individuals injured in e-bike crashes, these changes could have a significant impact on liability claims and financial recovery.  The bike injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. on how devastating it is for a person who is seriously injured by a uninsured person on a high speed electric bike to also be burdened with medical bills and lost income from not being able to work

Chicago’s streets are becoming increasingly crowded with cars, bicycles, delivery vehicles, buses, scooters, and pedestrians all competing for space. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles continue to happen throughout the city, often causing devastating injuries to cyclists.

The experienced bike injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer are often asked:

“What if the accident was partially my fault? Can I still recover compensation?”

As Chicago finally thaws out after another long winter, the streets begin to change. Warmer temperatures mean more pedestrians, more outdoor activity, and importantly, a sharp increase in bicyclists sharing the road. For drivers across Chicago, this seasonal shift brings new risks and responsibilities.

At Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., a Chicago plaintiff’s bike injury law firm, this is the time of year when we unfortunately begin to see more bike-related injuries, many of which are entirely preventable.

More Bikes, More Risk

Chicago’s continued expansion of the Divvy bike-share system marks a major shift toward sustainable transportation. The City’s March 2026 announcement highlights new stations, broader neighborhood access, and incentives like reduced-cost memberships aimed at increasing ridership across the city.

Divvy is already one of the largest bike-share systems in North America, with over 1,000 stations and more than 11 million bike and scooter trips recorded in 2024 alone.

As access expands, more Chicago residents are turning to Divvy bikes, including electric bikes, for commuting and recreation. But this rapid growth comes with an important legal and safety reality:

By Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. – Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers

Electric bikes and scooters have rapidly reshaped transportation across Illinois. What began as pedal-assist bicycles traveling 15–20 mph has evolved into a new generation of high-powered electric devices capable of 40–50 mph speeds — often operated without licensing, insurance, or clear regulatory oversight.

Electric bikes are ubiquitous nowadays on the streets of Chicago. What began as pedal-assist bicycles traveling 15–20 mph has evolved into a new generation of high-powered electric devices capable of 40–50 mph speeds, often operated without licensing, insurance, or clear regulatory oversight. The question becomes where exactly e-bikes are supposed to be driven. Should people be riding their e-bikes 30 miles per hour in bike lanes and on the lake bike trails? When a bike reaches that speed shouldn’t they even be treated more like a motorcycle and less like a bike? What ages should be allowed to ride e-bikes that can achieve high speeds? How safe is it to have high speed bikes on trails and lanes meant for pedal bikes? These are questions that our city and state lawmakers have left unanswered.

Chicago is once again debating how to balance traffic safety with everyday commercial reality. A recently advanced ordinance, championed by Ald. Daniel La Spata and approved by the City Council’s Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety, would expand enforcement against vehicles that block bike lanes, bus lanes, and crosswalks.

The proposal would allow residents to submit photos and videos of illegally parked vehicles through 311, with enforcement aides dispatched to investigate and issue citations. Early phases would reportedly focus on commercial vehicles, with the goal of improving compliance and safety.

The personal injury lawyers of  Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C., see firsthand how obstructed lanes and poorly managed street design contribute to serious injuries. But we also understand the practical tensions this ordinance raises.

Chicago has made major investments in bike lanes—especially protected lanes designed to separate cyclists from vehicle traffic. These projects aim to reduce crashes, improve safety, and encourage alternative transportation. But as winter sets in, a serious question remains:

If Chicago expects people to keep biking in winter, are the bike lanes being kept safe enough to actually use?

At Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C., we represent injured cyclists and drivers alike. Winter biking highlights a growing conflict between safety, infrastructure, and real-world conditions on Chicago streets.