By Chicago bike injury lawyers Zneimer & Zneimer P.C.
My partner and I, while sitting at the Perfect Cup coffee shop at the corner of Leland Ave. and Damen Ave. decided to conduct an unscientific survey to see how many of the bicyclists passing through the intersection stop for the four way stop. The results of our unscientific survey were as follows. During the time we drank our coffee, we recorded 15 bicyclists going through the intersection. Out of the 15 bicyclists, 12 bicyclists did not stop or slow down at all before going through the stop sign. The other 3 bicyclists did not come to a stop either but at least put on their brakes and slowed down before going through the stop signs. The fact of the matter is it is hard for a bicyclist to put of their brakes and stop at stop signs and then start up again. Its much easier to just go through stop signs and, hey, everybody does it. But what happens if you fail to stop and then get into an accident with a car coming from the other direction? The Chicago bicycle accident lawyers, Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have handled such cases and from experience, they are difficult cases to win.
This blog explains why, what Chicago’s ordinances actually require, and how following the rules of the road protects both your safety and your legal rights.
- In Chicago, Bicycles Are Treated as Vehicles
Under both Illinois law and the Chicago Municipal Code, people on bikes are treated much like drivers of cars.
- Illinois law states that every person riding a bicycle “shall be granted all of the rights” and is “subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle,” with a few special exceptions.
- Chicago Municipal Code §9-52-010 says essentially the same thing for city streets: bicyclists on the roadway have the same rights and must follow the same duties as drivers, unless a specific bike rule says otherwise.
That means:
- A red light for cars is also a red light for bikes.
- A stop sign for cars is also a stop sign for bikes.
- There is no special “bike exception” that allows riders to ignore traffic controls.
- Key Chicago Bike Ordinances Riders Should Know
Here are some of the most important Chicago rules that apply to bicyclists:
Obeying traffic signs and signals
- Because bikes are treated like vehicles, riders must obey all traffic control devices—stop signs, red lights, no-turn signs, and lane markings—just as drivers do.
Where you can ride – sidewalk restrictions
Chicago strictly limits riding on sidewalks:
- Chicago Municipal Code §9-52-020 generally prohibits adults from riding on sidewalks unless the sidewalk is specifically marked as a bike route or is being used briefly to reach the roadway, an intersection, a bike path, or a bike-share station.
Riding on sidewalks in business districts is often illegal and can be used against a rider in a claim if a crash occurs making these cases difficult to win.
Lights and visibility at night
Chicago requires lights and reflectors when riding at night:
- §9-52-080 requires:
- A front white headlamp visible from at least 500 feet, and
- A red rear reflector or red rear light visible from at least 200 feet.
Riding at night without proper lights is not just dangerous; it’s a violation that can become a major issue in a lawsuit. The defendant will argue that the bicyclist was dressed in dark clothes and had no lights. If the case goes to trial, the plaintiff will have to find some way to overcome this weakness in the case. If you have members of the jury who feel strongly that bicyclist are hard to see at night and that they should have lights that might be a difficult case to win.
No phone use while riding
- §9-52-110 prohibits operating a bicycle while using a communication device (like a phone) unless you’re hands-free or calling about an emergency.
I’m always astounded when I see people riding a bike and talking on the phone. It is dangerous enough to talk
- The Real-World Dangers of Blowing Stop Signs and Red Lights
Many Chicago bike riders roll through stop signs or red lights, especially when they don’t see an immediate car coming. But from both a safety and legal perspective, this is extremely risky.
Safety dangers:
- Cross-traffic you don’t see. Cars may be coming faster than expected, or hidden by parked vehicles.
- Turning vehicles. Drivers making left or right turns are watching for cars in their lane and may not anticipate a bike suddenly shooting into the intersection.
- Pedestrians in crosswalks. A cyclist who runs a light or sign can easily strike someone crossing with the walk signal.
Because bikes are unprotected, the rider almost always suffers the worst injuries—even if the driver also made mistakes.
- Fast Electric Bikes and Scooters Raise the Stakes
The rise of electric bikes and other low-speed electric mobility devices has changed the risk profile on Chicago streets.
Chicago’s code now specifically regulates low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric mobility devices (like shared scooters), and in many respects applies the same rules that govern bicycles.
Why these devices are especially dangerous when riders ignore stop signs and lights:
- Higher speeds. E-bikes and scooters can quickly reach 15–20+ mph. That extra speed means less reaction time and more severe impacts.
- Quieter approach. Drivers and pedestrians may not hear them coming, especially in city noise.
- Heavier machines. The added weight of a battery and motor increases the forces in a collision.
So when an electric rider blasts through a stop sign or red light, the crash is often more violent, and the injuries more severe, than with a traditional pedal bike.
- Winter Riding in Chicago: Darkness and Visibility Problems
In winter, the risks multiply:
- Early darkness: In December and January, many people commute in the dark. A rider without a bright front light and rear light is very hard to see.
- Glare and dirty windows: Snow, road salt, and fogged windshields make it harder for drivers to spot cyclists, even ones who are riding lawfully.
- Snow and ice: Slippery pavement makes sudden braking or swerving harder for both cyclists and drivers.
- Dark clothing: Heavy winter jackets and hats are often dark colors, which blend into the night.
Combine all of that with a cyclist running a stop sign or light, and you have a recipe for exactly the kind of serious intersection crashes that we see in our practice.
- How Running a Stop Sign or Red Light Hurts Your Injury Case
Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence system for personal injury cases. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116:
- If the injured person is more than 50% at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages.
- If they are 50% or less at fault, they can still recover—but their damages are reduced by their percentage of fault.
In a bicycle crash, this often plays out like this:
- A driver might fail to yield, speed, or make an unsafe turn.
- But if the bicyclist also ran a stop sign or red light, the insurance company will argue that the cyclist is largely to blame.
Practical impact on a bike case:
- Harder to win liability:
If the evidence shows clearly that the cyclist blew a red light or stop sign, a jury may find the rider more than 50% at fault—ending the case entirely. - Reduced recovery:
Even if the cyclist is found, say, 30% at fault for running a stop sign, any award will be reduced by 30%. A $100,000 verdict becomes $70,000. - Credibility issues:
A rider who clearly ignored the law may appear less careful or less credible to jurors, which can affect how they view all aspects of the case.
That’s why, from a legal perspective, it is much harder to win a case—and to recover full value—when a bicyclist is injured while running a stop sign or light.
- How Cyclists Can Protect Themselves and Their Legal Rights
To stay safer and preserve your ability to make a strong claim if a careless driver hits you, cyclists should:
- Come to a stop at every stop sign and red light.
Treat these exactly as you would if you were driving a car. - Use lights at night, as required by Chicago ordinance.
Front white light (visible 500 feet) and rear red light or reflector (visible 200 feet). - Avoid riding on sidewalks in prohibited areas.
Especially business districts and busy commercial corridors. - Put the phone away.
Don’t text or scroll while riding; Chicago law restricts phone use on bikes for a reason. - Slow down on e-bikes and scooters at intersections.
Assume drivers don’t realize how fast you’re going. - In winter, increase your visibility.
Use bright or reflective gear and extra lights, and take extra caution at intersections.
If a crash does happen:
- Get medical care immediately.
- Call 911 so there is an official report.
- If you can, gather names of witnesses and take photos of the scene, traffic signals, and vehicle positions.
- Contact an attorney before giving detailed statements to the driver’s insurance company.
At Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., we have represented many injured bicyclists and understand both:
- The dangers cyclists face on Chicago streets, and
- The way Chicago ordinances and Illinois’ comparative negligence rules are used by insurers and defense lawyers to argue against bike riders.
Even if you fear you may have made a mistake—rolling a stop sign, entering on a late yellow, or riding without lights—you should not assume you have no case. Every crash is fact-specific, and drivers still owe important duties of care to people on bikes.
If you have been injured in a bicycle crash in Chicago, call Chicago bike injury lawyers Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. for a consultation. We can investigate and determine if there were any video cameras, talk to any witnesses, and pursue the compensation you deserve.