Chicago's Bicycle Safety Ordinance

Chicago's Bicycle Safety Ordinance is finally up and available on the web at Chicago Department of Transportation's Chicago Bicycle Laws page.

9-4-25- Bicycle safety violation–Penalty

(a) Any person who violates subsection (e) or (f) of section 9-16-020, subsection (c) of section 9-36-010, or section 9-40-060, of this Code, shall be subject to (i) a penalty of $150.00 or, (ii) if such violation causes a collision between a motor vehicle and a bicycle, a penalty of $500.00, for each offense.

(b) Any person who violates sections 9-40-160 or 9-80-035 of this Code, when such violation interferes with the movement of a bicycle, shall be subject to (i) a penalty of $150.00 or, (ii) if such violation causes a collision between a motor vehicle and a bicycle, a penalty of $500.00, for each offense.

Added Coun. J. 3-12-08, p. 22786

9-16-20-e Right of way to a bicycle on Left Turn

The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left shall yield the right of way to a bicycle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.

Added Coun. J. 3-12-08, p. 22783

9-16-20-f Turning right in front of a bicycle

When a motor vehicle and a bicycle are traveling in the same direction on any highway, street, or road, the operator of the motor vehicle overtaking such bicycle traveling on the right side of the roadway shall not turn to the right in front of the bicycle at that intersection or at any alley or driveway until such vehicle has overtaken and is safely clear of the bicycle.

Added Coun. J. 3-12-08, p. 22783

9-36-10-c Overtaking on the left

The operator of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle or individual proceeding in the same direction on a highway shall leave a safe distance, but not less than 3 feet, when passing the bicycle or individual and shall maintain that distance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or individual.

Added Coun. J. 3-12-08, p. 22783

9-40-127- Drivers to exercise due care

Every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian, or any person operating a bicycle or other device propelled by human or animal power, upon any roadway, and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary and shall exercise proper precautions upon observing any child or any confused or incapacitated person upon a roadway.

Amended Coun. J. 3-12-08, p. 22783