Safe Urban Riding: Essential Tips for Chicago Motorcyclists

Motorcycles are the perfect vehicle for getting around in the city. They don’t take up a lot of space, making it easy to find parking, they are fun to ride, and they fit nicely into dense urban environments. In fact, Chicago has one of the better safety records for motorcycles. 

Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Chicago placed sixth in motorcycle safety. With only 6.05 average fatalities per 100,000 people, it is one of the safer places to ride [1]. Unfortunately, that still means there are serious risks to consider when riding through Chicago. 

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we see the impact of riding motorcycles in an urban environment as densely packed as Chicago. This city is known for having difficult and dangerous driving conditions, and it is no surprise many motorcyclists are injured in accidents they cannot control. Fortunately, it is possible to be proactive and reduce your riding risk significantly. 

Read on for Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers’ essential tips for Chicago motorcyclists.

Chicago’s Urban Riding Environment

Several factors contribute to Chicago’s dangerous driving record, and one big part of it is the city’s urban riding environment. 

Dense Traffic

Chicago is a large city, but it is also an old city that was never designed for the number of people who live and work there, at least not in terms of transportation. Decades of development to turn Chicago into a driveable city mean bigger roads are being squeezed in wherever possible. 

Because of this, Chicago’s urban environment consistently creates roads that cause dense traffic. There simply isn’t enough space for the number of vehicles in the city, and it makes traffic extremely congested.

To avoid dense traffic, try to ride your motorcycle during less congested times of the day. Even shifting your work schedule an hour earlier can substantially reduce the amount of traffic you encounter. 

Stay aware of popular local events and happenings that may make traffic worse. For instance, if Taylor Swift is playing at the United Center, it’s a good idea to avoid Madison Street altogether.

Dooring is a particularly challenging problem that motorcyclists and cyclists face in dense traffic when a car door suddenly opens and the rider crashes into it. One way to reduce the risk of this happening is to try to stay at least three feet away from parked vehicles and to carefully evaluate whether there is still a driver or passenger in the vehicle before passing it.

Infamous Road Conditions

The roads in Chicago are aging rapidly, and many of them already need extensive repairs, which can make riding across them more dangerous. Knowing there are potholes on Western Avenue, for example, can help avoid them by taking an alternative route. Motorcyclists may also want to avoid riding near Wicker Park, Washington Park, and Chatham.

Most Popular Routes in Chicago

There are some fantastic motorcycle touring routes in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Whether you want to travel through Shawnee National Forest or the Old National Pike, there are safe routes to explore Illinois and make the most of your motorcycle rides.

Weather Impact on Riding in Chicago

Chicago’s weather can impact how safe it is to ride your motorcycle in Chicago. If it’s raining, slow down and avoid sudden moves, as rain makes the road more slippery. This can make it challenging to maneuver on roads and reduce the effectiveness of your brakes. 

As a result, you should leave more room to stop. If possible, opt for a helmet with an anti-fog visor so your visibility will be less impaired. 

If it’s snowing or the roads are icy, consider not riding your motorcycle at all. If you must ride during the snow, be sure that you have tires that are appropriate for the weather and have adequate tread. 

Chicago is known for its variable weather conditions, such as unexpected summer storms and lake-effect conditions, which can impact motorcycle riders. These sudden changes create hazardous riding conditions, such as slippery roads, reduced visibility, and strong winds. Always check the weather forecast before heading out on your motorcycle.

Specific Risks in Chicago

Chicago presents some unique risks for motorcyclists that are absent in other places. From particularly challenging streets and intersections to the architecture and design of buildings, motorcycle riders in the Greater Chicago area face many specific risks. 

High-Risk Zones

Overall, motorcycle accidents are more likely to occur on city streets in Chicago than on interstate roads. Many accidents occur at the intersections around the Loop. The high volume of traffic, changing road conditions, and having to stop and go frequently contribute to the likelihood of an accident. 

Visibility in a Crowded Cityscape

It’s always a good idea to wear high-visibility clothing when you drive in a city, especially in heavy congestion. This can include wearing reflective tape on your helmet and choosing clothes in bright colors that are easy to see. 

When navigating safely around tall buildings, remember that buildings can create shadows and impair visibility, particularly at intersections where vehicles turn. Waiting an extra few seconds before turning at an intersection could allow more time to adjust to new surroundings and see a motorcyclist in time to prevent an accident.  

Most Dangerous Intersections for Motorcyclists in Chicago

Some of the most dangerous intersections in Chicago are [2]: 

• North Milwaukee Avenue, West North Avenue, and North Damen Avenue (Wicker Park)
• South Cottage Grove Avenue and East 79th Street (Chatham)
• North Cicero Avenue and West Chicago Avenue (Austin)
• North Dearborn Street and West Ontario Street (River North)
• South Ashland Avenue and West 63rd Street (Englewood)
• North Cicero Avenue and West Madison Street (Austin)
• North Halsted Street, North Lincoln Avenue, and West Fullerton Avenue (Lincoln Park)
• North Elston Avenue, North Western Avenue, and West Diversey Avenue (Logan Square/Bucktown)
• North Ashland Avenue and West Cortland Street (Bucktown)
• South Martin Luther King Drive and East 63rd Street (Washington Park)

Local Laws and Regulations

Motorcyclists should abide by all local laws and regulations when driving through the streets of Chicago. This keeps motorcycle riders safe and can make a difference if you need to file a personal injury claim after a car accident. 

Helmet and Safety Gear

Illinois is one of only a few states that do not require motorcycle riders or passengers to wear helmets. However, our firm and the Illinois Department of Transportation recommend that motorcycle riders and their passengers wear helmets and other safety equipment, such as motorcycle jackets and boots. 

Wearing appropriate safety gear can make a difference in the severity of your injuries should you be involved in a motorcycle accident.

Traffic Law Nuances

While certain driving practices are legal in some states, it doesn’t mean they are legal in Chicago. It’s important to review the city’s traffic laws to ensure you remain in compliance. For example, lane splitting is illegal in the state of Illinois. You cannot pass two vehicles at the same time by passing in between other cars.

Further Safety Training and Legal Advice

To enjoy all of Illinois’s great places to ride, you need to be able to ride safely with minimal effort. Safety should be something you plan for so you always make good decisions and can focus on the fun of riding. This means that you need to develop your riding skills. Fortunately, there are resources that can help you further develop your riding skills. 

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers the MSF basics course you can retake as many times as you want. They recommend retaking the course at least once yearly, especially in the early years of your riding experience, to refresh your safe riding skills. 

MSF also offers more advanced riding courses alongside many independent organizations that want to help riders learn defensive driving and motorcycle control skills beyond what they can learn on their own. It’s a fun way to challenge yourself while making yourself safer. 

If you are in an accident and wondering what to do next, consider discussing your case with a motorcycle accident attorney. If you did not cause the accident, you may be entitled to compensation. That compensation can help you recover from medical bills and get your bike fixed while also making it possible to afford the services you need to make a full recovery. 

To know if you have a viable case for recovering compensation, discuss your case with a personal injury attorney specializing in motorcycle accidents. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling toll-free at (888) 424-5757.

We also serve clients from Buffalo Grove, Decatur, Schaumburg , Springfield  and throughout Illinois.

Resources: [1] Forbes; [2] Active Transportation Alliance