Since 2018, an average of 29 bicyclists have been killed on Illinois roads annually. According to data reported by IDOT, the number of fatal crashes increased from 12 in 2019 to 42 in 2023. Some fatal crashes involving bicyclists are never reported in the media. A few fatal crashes involving bicyclists become headlines and result in meaningful change. All of these crashes are tragedies that are preventable.
It’s worth noting the intentional use of the term “crash” and not “accident”. This awareness initiative is an opportunity to reinforce this important distinction.
The map below includes a pin for each fatal crash involving a bicyclist in Illinois since 2018. Data from 2018-2022 was provided by IDOT. The source of that data is law enforcement crash reports. Data from 2023 and 2024 is being compiled by Ride Illinois.
The color of the pins on the map represents different years (beginning in 2018). Click the bracket icon in the upper right corner to view the legend.
Beginning in 2024, Ride Illinois will be sharing details about fatal crashes involving bicyclists on social media and on our website. The purpose of the ‘Our Response to Fatal Crashes’ initiative is to raise awareness of each tragedy, influence decision makers to make Illinois roads safer, and encourage motorists to drive safely near people traveling outside of motor vehicles – pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users.
Ride Illinois’ actions will be deliberate, rational, and intentional. As the state’s bike advocacy organization, the actions Ride Illinois takes in the aftermath of a crash must support the victim and align with our goal to greatly reduce, and ultimately eliminate, bicyclist fatalities in Illinois.
As an organization that encourages Illinois residents to bike often for all types of trips, learning of a fatal crash is heart-breaking. In addition and of utmost importance, Ride Illinois acknowledges that the lives of a victim’s family, friends, and loved ones have been forever, tragically altered. For this reason, we will respect the victim’s family and will not share speculative information or details not reported by a reputable source.
Upon learning of a fatal crash in Illinois involving a bicyclist, Ride Illinois will work to learn more about the crash, the circumstances that led to the crash, and the victim. There’s a fine line between a) posting on social media to attract more eyeballs to our organization and b) posting on social media with a goal of bringing about positive change as a result of a tragedy. Ride Illinois intends to not cross that line.
Early media reports of a crash can include details that are unknown or not confirmed. Ride Illinois will be selective in the articles that are shared on social media and on our website. We will call out any and all victim blaming in the media. Victim blaming is often devastating for those who are mourning the loss of a loved one.
A graphic will be shared on Ride Illinois social media that acknowledges the location of the fatal crash. We’ll also include a link to a media article. The information is being shared to raise the public’s awareness and to support efforts by Ride Illinois and our partners to greatly reduce bicyclist fatalities. An example of the graphic is below.
It’s worth noting that some local organizations, especially in Chicago, are already raising awareness when a serious or fatal crash occurs. Ride Illinois aims to support local organizations with this initiative. We intend to amplify the important messages that they are sharing with their community. We encourage them to continue to raise awareness so Illinois roads can be made safer for bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users.
It’s important that a fatal crash doesn’t simply fade from memory. Perhaps something positive can result from an otherwise terrible situation.
Ride Illinois will contact law enforcement to request a crash report. The report will be reviewed to better understand the details surrounding the crash. Ride Illinois will call out questionable details and share concerns with law enforcement.
To the best of our ability, Ride Illinois will recommend solutions to avoid future crashes/fatalities in the area. Those recommendations will be shared with the agency that maintains the road or infrastructure at the crash location.
Finally, an additional post may be shared on social media to push back on victim blaming, to point out that other crashes have occurred at the same location, or to share other important details related to the crash.
The ‘Our Response to Fatal Crashes’ initiative launched in 2024 and will be modified, over time, to ensure that the goal of raising awareness in order to decrease crashes and fatalities remains front and center. We believe that sharing information about bicyclists fatalities around the state can lead to positive change and decrease the number of fatal crashes in the future.
Our organization’s #1 goal is to greatly reduce, and ultimately eliminate, bicyclist fatalities in Illinois. There is clearly work to be done! Ride Illinois intends to identify meaningful solutions and recommendations to reduce bicyclist crashes and fatalities as a result of this deep dive.
Ride Illinois is open to suggestions for improving the effectiveness of this awareness initiative. Suggestions should be sent to info@rideillinois.org. Please include your name and phone number in case we need to follow up for more information.