Bike Riding safety | Riding a bike in Chicago- Watch this video!
Last updated Friday, August 19th, 2022
Bike Riding Safety
Today we explore riding a bike and bike riding safety, and we take a deeper look at how our local cyclers can make sure that both bicycles and their riders are safe on the paths and roadways here in Chicago – Marc in the community is all about bike riding safety today!
Here at Shuman Legal®, we like to get engaged in the community and support safe practices. We are here for you when accidents or personal injuries happen; we are also here for you to help you stay safe!
We have partnered with West Town Bikes here in Chicago to create a series on Bicycle safety, this video interview session covers safe riding tips for urban and rural riders, and to accompany the video we are also providing the transcription from Marc’s interview with Eli Faber:
Below is the transcription of our interview with Eli Faber, West Town Bikes’ head technician on bike riding safety:
00:00 Marc Shuman: Hi, I’m Marc Shuman from Shuman Legal®, and we are at West Town Bikes in Chicago, talking to Eli Faber, head technician, about bicycle safety. How are you doing, Eli?
00:10 Eli Faber: Good, thanks, Marc.
00:11 MS: So today, we’re going to be talking about safe riding tips for urban and rural riders. First, when someone’s riding on a bike, do they have to ride on… Can they ride in the entire lane, or do they have to stay off to the side?
00:23 EF: Well, it’s polite and safe for a cyclist to ride on the right side of the road, but keep in mind that you can also take up the space three feet from cars on the side of the road. If a driver who’s not paying attention opens their door in that space, you could get doored. You don’t want that to happen.
00:42 MS: Usually resulting in serious injuries. Are there turn signals to use on a bike?
00:48 EF: I typically communicate turn signals with my arms. I’ll put my left arm out if I’m turning left, and put my right arm out if I’m turning right. If I’m slowing down, I might also put my hand down like this, and make a stop sign. I usually look behind me to make sure whoever I’m communicating that signal to, can see it.
01:07 MS: If someone has kids, do you recommend putting them in bike classes?
01:11 EF: It definitely can’t hurt, especially if they’re not very confident riding in the city. It took me a little while to get confident riding in the city. But going about it by yourself is not a bad way to learn, either.
01:25 MS: With respect to signals and stop signs, what are the rules with bikers in Illinois? Do they have to obey signals just like cars do?
01:33 EF: At least in Illinois, the law is that cyclists have to obey all the same traffic signals as motorists.
01:41 MS: Great. Well, thank you as always.
01:43 EF: You’re welcome, Marc.
There you have it! Some great advice and information that we hope will lead to you having a more enjoyable and safer experience on your bike!
If you find yourself in an accident, we are here for you. As experienced personal injury attorneys well acquainted with Illinois Bicycle laws, our attorneys can help you evaluate the facts, assess your options, navigate the legal challenges, and advocate on your behalf. Call us at 800.722.9744 today to receive a FREE consultation with the team at the Law Offices of Shuman Legal®.
