The City of Chicago's mayor, Rahm Emanuel, plans to make Chicago the best big city to ride a bicycle. To do so, the mayor plans to install almost 25 miles of protected bike lanes on city streets. In July 2011, construction on the city's first protected bike lane was completed, the Kinzie Street Protection Bike Lane.
The city notes the Kinzie Street Protection Bike Lane consists of three main elements: marked bike lanes, flexible marker posts used to delineate the bike lanes from the vehicle lanes, and a lane for parking vehicles.
Early indications show the Kinzie Street bike lane has been successful in promoting bike safety and increased ridership. According to the City of Chicago:
- 86 percent of bicyclists riding on the Kinzie bike lane "feel safe or very safe"
- 55 percent increase in bicycle ridership since the completion of construction
- 49 percent of riders believe "motorist behavior improved"
Winter Biking Tips
With the first snows of winter falling, the Kinzie Street Protection Bike Lane should provide extra protection to year-round bicyclists and help prevent Chicago bicycle accidents. Riders on Kinzie Street and throughout the city should take to following steps to stay safe this winter:
- Dress in layers
- Wear gloves/mittens, scarf and warm socks to keep extremities warm
- Slow down on snow and ice
- Ride a well maintained bike
- Be vigilant at stops and when taking turns
- Always wear a helmet
During the winter months, when travel is made more treacherous by snow and ice, bicyclists are at particular risk of injury. Without the protection that an enclosed vehicle offers, bicyclists are more susceptible to severe injuries - including broken bones, head and neck injuries, brain injuries, spinal injuries, and even death - when involved in accidents with motorists.
Ride safely this winter on Kinzie and other Chicago streets. However, if you are involved in an accident with a motorist it is important to speak with an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you seek compensation for medical and rehabilitation bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
