Bike Share Accidents

Bike sharing is a relatively recent addition to the Chicago area. In 2013, Divvy, which is a program of the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), began its bike sharing service and since then has placed over 6,000 bikes onto the roadways in both Chicago and nearby Evanston. While this bike share service has allowed tourists and natives alike to explore the city affordably and get around in a more eco-friendly way, the increase in bikes on the roads means that there is also an increase in the number of bike share accidents.

At 844 See Mike, 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 844 See Mike, for a free consultation.

Bike Share Safety Concerns

Because the CDOT runs the Divvy program, they are also responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all the bikes in the ride share service. CDOT keeps all of the Divvy bikes equipped with a warning bell, lights, and reflectors and some Divvy stations provide helmets, however they are not required.

While Divvy bike share bicycles may be routinely maintained and include all bicycle safety precautions required by law, there are still safety concerns, which include:

• Riders only need to be aged 16 years old or older and are not required to have a license or knowledge of road rules.
• Riders are often inexperienced with riding in major cities and have poor defensive bike riding skills.
• Divvy has a 30-minute time limit which often push riders to be distracted as they hurry to avoid paying more fees.
• Divvy bicycles are available 24/7/365, putting bicycles, which are already difficult to see, on Chicago’s roads at night and during inclement weather.

There are between 600-800 bicycle fatalities across the U.S. every year, with 75% of these deaths occurring in major urban areas like the city of Chicago. With the increase in bicycles and motor vehicles sharing the roadways, these accidents will continue to occur, often with devastating results. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to remember that just like any other accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.

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 844 See Mike, for a free consultation.

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