As cycling has increased in popularity, Chicago and other Illinois cities have begun to increase the number of bike paths and lanes available to help keep cyclists safe. Shared bike lanes, in theory, increase the separation between motor vehicles and bicycles, decrease the number of dooring accidents that can occur, and decrease the chances of a cyclist riding the wrong way on a street or riding their bicycle on sidewalks. However, the effectiveness of shared bike lanes in preventing accidents has been called into question and unfortunately, serious bicycle accidents still occur.
At America’s Consumer Lawyer, we represent clients in Illinois who have suffered personal injuries from a bicycle accident, as well as family members who have lost a loved one in a road accident caused by negligent or reckless conduct of another person. We know that when a bicycle collides with a vehicle weighing at least 2,000 pounds, the odds are not in the cyclist’s favor and the results can be tragic.
It’s important to consult with an experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and determine if you have a valid personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against a reckless or negligent driver. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer, for a free consultation.
What Are Shared Bike Lanes?
There are a variety of different types of bike lanes that you may encounter, from dedicated bike lanes, to contraflow lanes, to bicycle priority lanes, to shared bike lanes. Each has its own markings and rules, so it is best to understand where you are traveling and what the rules will be for that particular lane.
Shared bike lanes are bike lanes that are marked with a bicycle shape and chevron pattern but are not striped. Shared bike lanes are typically installed in places where there is not enough width for a full bike lane, which are striped with a bicycle symbol and an arrow.
Pros and Cons of Shared Bike Lanes
Those that design shared bike lanes argue that this type of lane is ultimately safer for cyclists. Some of the pros of shared bike lanes include:
- Cyclists are going with natural flow of traffic-Cyclists that are going with traffic have the ability to turn easily and avoid others that are turning.
- Decreased risk of dooring accidents-Dooring accidents are quite common, and can be deadly. Shared bike lakes take cyclists further away from parked vehicles, thus decreasing the chances of being doored.
- Decrease in low speed accidents-While most drivers would assume that a dedicated bike lane would be safer for the cyclist, studies have shown that shared bike lanes increase a motor vehicle driver’s awareness of those on bicycles and decrease the number of accidents that occur.
Shared bike lanes are not without their risks, however. Some of the cons of shared bike lanes include:
- Shared bike lanes can be confusing-Drivers and cyclists are often unaware of the rules of shared bike lanes, such as the rules of passing, for example. When a driver is confused and angry, incidents of road rage and accidents increase.
- Interrupted traffic flow-Cyclists cannot ride at the same speed as motor vehicles. When a bicycle enters the roadway, it naturally slows traffic down.
- New cyclists and children under 10-A new cyclist and children under 10 should not ride on shared bike lanes. Those that are unaware of road rules and are unable to ride defensively and with confidence are most at-risk for accidents and injuries.
No matter where you ride your bicycle, as a cyclist you are always more at-risk for a serious and deadly accident. If you or a loved one was involved in a bicycle accident through no fault of your own, it is important that you consider contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.
We at America’s Consumer Lawyer are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, especially when you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services.
We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at America’s Consumer Lawyer, we put People, First.
Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
