Cycling safety in Illinois

Crash data

41 cyclist fatalities in 2023 .

In 2023, Illinois recorded 41 pedalcyclist (bicyclist) fatalities out of 1,241 total traffic fatalities statewide, per NHTSA's FARS-based report 'Bicyclists and Other Cyclists: 2023 Data.' A clean, statewide bicyclist-injury count from an official IDOT source could not be verified, so cyclistInjuries is left null rather than estimated. (For context, IIHS state fatality facts list 37 Illinois bicyclist deaths in 2024, a separate year.)

Official reports & data:

Cycling rules in Illinois

Helmets: Illinois has no statewide bicycle helmet law; helmets are optional under state law, though some local ordinances (e.g., Chicago messengers, and children in towns like Skokie and Cicero) do require them. (source)
Passing distance: A driver overtaking a bicyclist must leave a safe distance of at least 3 feet when passing, and wait for a safe gap if that space is not available (625 ILCS 5/11-703). (source)
Sidewalk riding: There is no uniform statewide rule; individual municipalities decide whether bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks, and where riding is allowed cyclists must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing (625 ILCS 5/11-1512). (source)
E-bikes: Illinois uses the 3-class system (Class 1 and 2 pedal- or throttle-assist up to 20 mph, Class 3 pedal-assist up to 28 mph); low-speed e-bikes may use roads and, unless a local agency prohibits it, bike paths, but not sidewalks, and Class 3 riders must be at least 16 years old (625 ILCS 5/11-1517). (source)
Lights and reflectors at night: When ridden at night a bicycle must have a front white light visible from at least 500 feet and a rear red reflector visible from 100 to 600 feet; a rear red light may be added or used in place of the reflector (625 ILCS 5/11-1507). (source)
Direction of travel / where to ride: Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic and keep as close as practicable and safe to the right-hand curb or edge, with exceptions for passing, turning left, avoiding hazards, or a lane too narrow to share (625 ILCS 5/11-1505). (source)
Dooring: It is illegal to open a vehicle door on the side exposed to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so, a rule intended to prevent 'dooring' crashes with passing cyclists (625 ILCS 5/11-1407). (source)
DUI on a bicycle: Illinois' DUI statute (625 ILCS 5/11-501) applies to 'vehicles,' and courts (People v. Schaefer) have held a human-powered bicycle is not a vehicle for DUI purposes, so you generally cannot be charged with a standard DUI on a traditional bicycle, though motorized cycles can qualify and other citations may still apply. (source)

Cities and counties often add their own rules (for example, where you can ride on sidewalks or boardwalks). Check the local ordinance for the specific town you're visiting.

Resources

Bike-friendly destinations in Illinois

Ride these with the rules above in mind:

In an emergency in the U.S., call 911. Read our general bike safety guide →