In an effort to improve safety for bicyclists, the city of Chicago added 106 miles of on-street protected or buffered bike lanes since 2011, bringing the city’s total to 292 miles of protected bike lanes.
These protected bike lanes have earned Chicago the reputation as one of the best large cities in the United States for bicycling.
However, many people violate the ordinance protecting the bike lanes.
Cars, CTA buses, even Chicago Police vehicles are seen parking in the bike lanes.
The Chicago Code of Ordinances 9-40-060 reads:
9-40-060 Driving, standing or parking on bicycle paths or lane prohibited
- The driver of a vehicle shall not drive, unless entering or exiting a legal parking space, or stand, or park the vehicle upon any on-street path or lane designated by official signs or markings for the use of bicycles, or otherwise drive or place the vehicle in such a manner as to impede bicycle traffic on such path or lane. The driver of a vehicle shall not stand or park the vehicle upon any lane designated by pavement markings for the shared use of motor vehicles and bicycles, or place the vehicle in such a manner as to impede bicycle traffic on such lane; provided, however, the driver of a bus may stop the bus in any such lane (i) at a designated bus stop for the purpose of loading or unloading of passengers, (ii) in case of an emergency; or (iii) as permitted in Section 9-48-050(d) of this Code. In addition to the fine provided in Section 9-4-025 of this Code, any vehicle parked in violation of this section shall be subject to an immediate tow and removal to a city vehicle pound or authorized garage.
2. Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, an electric personal assistive mobility device, as that term is defined in Section 9-80-205, may enter and drive upon the Randolph Protected Bike Lane located on Upper East Randolph Street, between North Michigan Avenue and North Harbor Drive.
Chicago Code of Ordinances
(added Coun. J. 7-12-90, p. 18634; Amend Coun. J. 9-1-99, p. 10503, §1)
The ordinance is meant to protect bicyclist from accidents and lessen incidents like dooring accidents. Many people feel the ordinance is being ignored and have started documenting the issue. Yasmeen Schuller, president and owner of Chainlink has provided a way for cyclists to document the issue.The ordinance is meant to protect bicyclist from accidents and lessen incidents like dooring accidents. Many people feel the ordinance is being ignored and have started documenting the issue. Yasmeen Schuller, president and owner of Chainlink has provided a way for cyclists to document the issue.
To see some of the posts on Chainlink click here: What’s this doing in the bike lane? 2016
If you or a bicyclist you know has been injured while traveling in a bike lane in Chicago, take action today and call us now at 312-888-6058 to protect your rights.