Riding a bicycle on Elgin’s roads and streets means that you need to follow all applicable traffic laws. This includes the rules that apply to all other vehicles and those that are specific to bike riders.
Following the traffic laws for bicyclists in Elgin is important for many reasons. Most importantly, they help to prevent collisions. In addition, following the law can help to prove that another motorist was responsible for the crash that resulted in an injury. This all comes together to help a seasoned personal cycling collision attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. protect your legal rights after a bike accident.
Bike Riders Must Comply with All Elgin Traffic Laws
Bike riders enjoy the same protection while on the road as all other travelers. On the other hand, they must also be sure to follow all traffic laws that apply to vehicles on the street. In fact, 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/11-1502 states that while bike riders enjoy protection under the law, they are also subject to the same rules as all other travelers, such as speed limits, proper signaling, and yielding.
Certain state laws that govern safe operation apply only to bike riders. For example, 625 ILCS 5/11-1505.1 provides that bicyclists can never ride more than two abreast except in designated bike lanes. Furthermore, all other drivers must give bike riders the exclusive right to use these lanes. A knowledgeable attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. could help individuals to understand their rights and obligations as bike riders while on public roads.
State Law Regulates Maintenance of Bikes
Just as Illinois law requires motor vehicles to be roadworthy, similar laws govern the safe maintenance of bikes. These laws exist to keep vehicles safe and to prevent as many collisions as possible.
Perhaps the most important is 625 ILCS 5/11-1507. The law states that when a person rides a bike at night, they must have both a headlamp and rear reflector. Similar laws state that a rider:
- Cannot carry a package that prevents them from keeping two hands on the handlebars
- Must sit on the provided seat as intended
- Cannot carry more passengers than there are seats
These rules are just as important as those that control safe operation in traffic. Failures to follow these regulations could lead to a higher frequency of accidents and allow a defendant to argue that a bike rider was being inherently unsafe. A motivated lawyer at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. in Elgin could take the lead in a case and demonstrate that a bicyclist followed the applicable laws in the moments prior to a collision.
Call a Skilled Elgin Attorney about Traffic Laws for Bicyclists
All bike riders need to be aware of their obligations under the law. These include following all traffic signs and signals, being aware of the specific movement laws that apply to bikes and maintaining their vehicles to a safe standard. Failures at any level may lead to accidents, and a defendant driver may allege that it was your failure to follow these laws that contributed to the collision.
Contact a driven lawyer at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. today to explore more of the traffic laws for bicyclists in Elgin. They could talk to you about the laws that apply to bike riders and the impact that they could have on your demand for compensation following an accident.
