With winter bicycling tips, Chicago cyclists can get the information they need to stay safe during snowy weather. More cyclists are commuting on bikes even in cold weather; Divvy Bike data shows that there were anywhere between 4,000 and 8,000 rentals when temperatures were in the 30s in Chicago.
Many cyclists are injured in Chicago year-round, but snow brings additional challenges to safe biking. Our team is here to help you get the compensation you need for a Chicago winter biking accident. Contact a bicycle accident attorney in Chicago immediately for a free consultation about your rights.
Preparing Your Own Bike for Winter
The first thing you should do before riding your bike is to spend some time checking that everything is in order. Make sure that the chain is lubricated and will not slip when you shift gears. Invest in winter tires that have better traction and are properly aired.
Because you only have two wheels instead of four like a car, you will want a wider surface area for better grip on ice. You should also check the brakes, including the pads and mechanics. If possible, have your entire kit checked out by a bike shop in your area.
Snow and rain can significantly reduce visibility, so having strong bike lights is crucial, especially at dusk or at night. You should also get a horn instead of a bell to better communicate with drivers and pedestrians.
Dressing for Success: Staying Warm and Visible
The most important thing about winter riding apparel is that you dress in several warm layers and cover as much exposed skin as possible. For your head, you need a helmet, but you can also try putting a thin balaclava under your helmet to keep your ears and face warm. If this isn’t an option, use a face mask to keep your face from getting wind-chapped.
Keeping your hands warm while riding can be a challenge. Bike Lane Uprising, a local cyclist advocacy group, recommends lobster gloves, which are mittens split into two sections. This makes it easier to grip the handles.
You also need layers for your legs. Thermal underwear paired with thick pants will keep out the cold while you ride. As the Windy City is wet and slushy during winter, consider buying waterproof gaiters that cover your calves. These have a strap that goes under your boots and Velcro fastened around the back of your leg.
Non-slip hiking boots and thick wool socks will keep your feet warm and dry and provide traction when you need to stop at intersections. Choose function over style and get tough, waterproof boots with great traction. For additional protection, seal them with wax or another waterproofing spray.
In addition to wearing layers, you should also choose bright-colored clothes whenever possible. While dark-colored coats are common, they are also a bad idea because they let you blend in at night. Consider getting a reflective vest to go over your jacket and a headlamp for your helmet.
Winter Riding Techniques: Adapting to Challenging Conditions
Choose Quieter Streets – Milwaukee Avenue is known as the “bike highway” because 20,000 cyclists use it daily, but it is also known for fatal accidents. Whenever possible, choose bike-only routes or those with protected lanes.
Use Brakes Carefully – When riding on slippery surfaces, gently depress your brakes instead of slamming them, just like when driving a car.
Ride Slowly – Start slowing down well in advance of an intersection and pedal at a consistent pace.
Prevent Slips Using Your Feet – If you hit a snowy patch or black ice, gently touch your foot to the ground to stabilize yourself before continuing.
Use the Rear Brake – This keeps you from fishtailing, especially if you hit black ice.
Maintain Balance – Stay upright and pedal in smooth motions. You can also lower your seat to lower your center of gravity.
Walk Your Bike at Intersections – Dismount and pass through as you would on foot.
Stay Alert – Do not listen to music, talk on the phone, or get distracted by friends.
Chicago-Specific Winter Biking Challenges
The city’s slush and ice can lead to serious accidents through to early spring. However, these streets are known for some specific issues. Riders must be aware of the unique challenges they’ll face on the road.
Lake Effect Snow – While Chicago is not on the Lake Michigan snowbelt, it still gets heavy blizzards. These significantly reduce visibility, making bright lights even more important.
High Wind – This is especially true in the Loop, where the large buildings cause a vortex effect.
Potholes – Ice melt and snow plows cause significant wear and tear on the streets, and a big pothole can easily throw riders off their bikes.
Legal Considerations for Winter Cycling Accidents
One trip in winter weather can easily lead to bike accident injuries that will last the rest of your life, making it essential that you work with a legal advisor who can help you get money to cover your medical bills. These are some of the legal considerations you need to focus on when seeking compensation.
Determining Fault in Winter Weather Conditions
According to Illinois statute §625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, drivers must exercise due caution around bikes to ensure that they don’t cause injury, including in winter. However, a cyclist must also follow all stipulations in Chicago Municipal Code §9-52-010, which includes following all traffic laws.
If it was found that you failed to follow the law, such as not providing hand signals as required by Chicago Municipal Code §9-52-045, then you may be considered partially liable and will receive less compensation.
Potential Claims Against the City of Chicago
It can be challenging to sue the city, especially in light of the 2023 Illinois Supreme Court case Alave vs. City of Chicago. This judgment specified that while bicyclists are welcome to use any city street, the presence of bike lanes does not make them intended road users, and the city is not specifically to blame for accidents caused by potholes.
However, our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys will fight to protect your rights and demonstrate the city’s responsibility to its bike users. We can consider aspects like duty of care, negligent road maintenance practices, and the city’s involvement in active transportation initiatives to demonstrate that they are responsible to cyclists.
Documentation and Evidence
You must provide evidence of what happened, both before and after the accident. This includes:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Photos and videos of the scene
- Witness testimony
- Evidence of property damage
Our team can assist you in gathering this documentation so that you have a strong case.
What to Do After a Winter Bicycle Accident
According to Illinois Statute 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you only have two years after an accident to make a personal injury claim. As such, you must act quickly to protect your legal rights and ensure that you can receive proper compensation. Quick actions also protect you from life-long injuries. Follow these steps as soon as possible.
Get to a Safe Place – Move to the sidewalk and assess your injuries.
Call 911 – Clearly describe your location, such as the intersection between Lincoln Avenue and Clark Street, or in front of the Chicago Art Institute. Ask for the police and an ambulance.
Document the Scene – Get photos and videos of property damage and your injuries. Ask for the at-fault driver’s contact information and insurance details.
Get Details – While the vast majority of motorists stay on scene, some may flee. In that case, report what you remember of the car to the police. You should also get contact information for witnesses.
Seek Medical Attention – Even if you only feel a bit hurt, you may have serious injuries that aren’t immediately apparent. Always get a full examination and ask for copies of your medical records. Your attorney can use this to prove your injuries were caused by the accident.
Contact a Lawyer – Meet with an attorney as soon as possible after the crash to determine whether you have a case and discuss your legal options.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
While riding your bike in the cold and snow can be fun, it can also lead to catastrophic injuries. Follow these winter biking tips to ensure that you’re always safe, and contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.Our law firm is passionate about helping bike riders get the compensation they need to recover. We have recovered over 450 million in damages for our clients and have over 25 years of experience. To schedule your free consultation with a bicycle accident attorney serving Illinois, call us or use our online form.
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