Definition of a Bicycle

Every human-powered device and every low-speed electric bicycle (as defined in Section 1-140.10) with 2 or more wheels not less than 12 inches in diameter, operable pedals, and designated seats for the transportation of one or more persons. [5/1-106]

Bicyclist’s Status

Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles. Bicyclists riding on a highway are granted all of the rights (including right-of-way Article IX) and are subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, with certain exceptions. [5/11-1502]

Lane Positioning

When biking on roadways and bicycle paths at less than normal traffic speed, bike as close as practicable and safe to the right-hand curb or edge of roadway except:

1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
2. When preparing for a left turn.
3. When reasonably necessary to avoid fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, motorized pedal cycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. A “substandard width lane” means a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
4. When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized. When riding on a one-way highway with two or more marked traffic lanes. Here, bicyclists may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable. [5/11-1505]

Biking Side-by-Side

Biking two abreast is permitted as long as the normal and reasonable movement of traffic is not impeded.

Biking more than two abreast is prohibited except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. [5/11-1505.1]

Biking on a Shoulder

The law restricting driving on a shoulder shall not apply to any bicycle. [5/11-709.1]

Left Turns

Bicyclists may choose between a vehicular-style left turn or a pedestrian-style left turn. [5/11-1510]

For vehicular-style left turns, proceed as if driving a vehicle, moving to the left lane or the left side of a single lane prior to the intersection. [5/11-801]

For pedestrian-style left-turns, bike near the right side of the roadway, cross the intersecting roadway, stop (as much as practicable out of the way of traffic), yield to any traffic and proceed in the new direction, while obeying any official traffic control device or police officer. [5/11-1510]

Hand Signals

Signals shall be given from the left side as follows: Left turn—hand and arm extended horizontally. Right turn—hand and arm extended upward, except bicyclists may extend the right hand and arm horizontally and to the right side of the bike. Stop or decrease of speed—hand and arm extended downward. [5/11-806]

Signal not less than the last 100 feet before the turn, and while the bicycle is stopped waiting to turn. Signals need not be given continuously if the hand is needed in the control or operation of the bicycle. [5/11-1511]

“Dead Red” Stoplight (In all towns except for Chicago)

A bicyclist, stopped at a red light which fails to detect the bike and change to green within a reasonable period of time not less than 120 seconds, shall have the right to proceed, after yielding right of way to oncoming traffic facing a green signal, subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign. [5/11-306(c)3.5]

Passing on the Right

The law requiring at least eight feet width for two-wheeled vehicles to pass on the right does not apply to devices propelled by human power. [5/11-704(b)]

Use of Sidewalks (and Crossing Right-of-Way)

Local ordinance may prohibit bicyclists from using sidewalks. Where permitted, bicyclists must yield to pedestrians and give audible signals before passing them. Bicyclists using sidewalks have all the rights and duties of pedestrians. [5/11-1512]

If no traffic signals are in place, vehicle drivers shall stop and yield the right-of-way to peds within marked or unmarked crosswalks in (or dangerously close to) the roadway half upon which the vehicle is traveling—but pedestrians should not enter the path of a moving vehicle so closely to be an immediate hazard. [5/11-1002(a,b)]

Peds shall yield the right-of-way if crossing at other points. [5/11-1003(a)]

Low-speed Gas Bikes

Operators must be at least 16 years of age. Low-speed gas bikes may not be operated on a sidewalk, or at speeds over 20mph on a road. All other bicycle laws apply. [5/11-1516]

Low-speed Electric Bikes

These may be operated on roads but not on sidewalks. Bicycle paths may be used except where prohibited by the maintaining agency. Operators of Class 3 electric bikes must be at least 16 years of age. All other bicycle laws apply. [5/11-1517]

Carrying Articles

No bicyclist shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the use of both hands in the control and operation of the bike. At least one hand shall be kept on the handlebars at all times. [5/11-1506]

Two or More on a Bike

Bicycles shall not be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped, except an adult bicyclist may carry a child securely attached to his person in a backpack or sling. [5/11-1503]

Lights and Other Equipment on Bicycles

For night riding, a front white light visible from at least 500 feet to the front and a red reflector on the rear visible from 100-600 feet are required. A steady or flashing red rear light visible from 500 feet may be used in addition to or instead of the red reflector. New bikes sold require pedal and side reflectors and an essentially colorless front facing reflector. [5/11-1507]

Clinging to Vehicles

No person riding on a bicycle shall attach the same or himself to any vehicle upon a road. [5/11-1504]

Motorists Passing Bicyclists

A motorist overtaking a bicyclist shall leave a safe distance, not less than three feet, when passing the bicyclist and shall maintain that distance until they safely past the bicyclist. [5/11-703(d)]

A motorist may pass a bicyclist in a no-passing zone when: (1) the bicyclist’s speed is less than half of the speed limit; (2) the motorist is able to pass without exceeding the speed limit; and (3) there is sufficient distance ahead on the left side to pass safely. [5/11-703(d-5)]

Harassment

A motorist shall not, in a reckless manner, drive unnecessarily close to, toward, or near a bicyclist. Depending on whether great bodily harm results, this is a Class A misdemeanor or a Class 3 Felony. [5/11-703(e,f)]