While Hyde Park is a calmer neighborhood than others in Chicago, bike safety is still of the utmost importance. See below for our top recommendations as you ride around the Windy City.

 

WEAR A HELMET.

They do not look the coolest, and they may tousle your perfect ‘do. But, they will increase your chances of survival and minimize the risk of serious injury. That’s what’s most important.

MAKE YOURSELF NOTICEABLE

Chicago can get gloomy and foggy at certain times of the year. You want to be visible no matter the time of day or weather. 

Wearing bright colors and reflective elements help others see you.  Adding lights to the front and back of your bike is a wise choice, too. With so many visual distractions in the city, you must prioritize being visible to reduce your risk of being part of an accident.

 

BE AWARE OF WHERE YOU’RE RIDING.

This transcends many areas. Map out a route ahead of time to ensure you’re going through areas you feel safe being in the event of a flat tire or other emergency.

Use bike lanes where they exist, and follow the rules of the road. In Chicago, bikes cannot be on sidewalks. If there is no bike lane, stay in the road. Always ride in the direction of traffic, NOT the opposite direction.

Divvy bikes are rentable in public locations, like along the Lakefront Trail shown here. Chicago bike safety photo from Teresa Grau Ros

by Teresa Grau Ros

RIDE LIKE YOU’D DRIVE.

Pretend your bike is an expensive rental car, and ride cautiously. Follow the rules of the road, leave plenty of space between your bike and other cars, do not cut cars off, and do not pass anyone on the right side.  And on that note…

 

DO NOT TEXT AND RIDE.

It’s encouraged to have your phone on you in case you get lost or need to call for help. But, don’t use this as an excuse to text on the bike! This practice puts you and others on the road in danger, and no message is worth that. Always pull over to a safe spot before sending a text or answering a phone call.

 

DITCH THE OLD HAND SIGNALS.

You may have learned biking hand signals in school, but the process is now antiquated. It’s best to use a more quick-to-understand symbol so the driver behind you isn’t left racking their brain trying to remember what means what. If you’re turning left, put your left arm out straight, and if you’re turning right, do the same with your right arm.

Chicago bike safety means locking up your bike, as shown here, at all times.

by Whitney in Chicago

BE CONSCIOUS OF YOUR TRAVEL TIMES.

People ride bikes for many reasons, but you have to be smart and strategic to make the most of your experience. Chicago is a fast-paced city with many impatient or distracted drivers. That can translate to safety concerns for you as a rider on the road.
If your goal is exercise or leisure, opt for bike-specific areas, like the Lakefront Trail, and choose off-hours like early morning for your ride. This means fewer people are on the trail (and fewer cars on your trip to the trail entry) which can interrupt your ride.

If you’re needing to bike to class from your apartment, be sure to allow yourself a few extra minutes in the event of heavy car traffic or other delays.

If you’re just riding for fun, be smart about your decision. Do you need to be out on the road during rush hour traffic on Friday? Or can you move your fun ride to 10 AM after the students have been dropped off at school to avoid the parent traffic? Is it a requirement for your ride to take you aown 53rd St. during the busy lunch hour, or can you achieve the same result by riding in Washington Park where there is less traffic?

 

EXTEND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO YOUR BIKE.

While it’s important to prioritize your physical safety on the bike (it is rule #1, after all), you also must prioritize your bike’s safety, too. Bikes are stolen frequently in the City of Chicago, so leaving your bike unlocked for even a few minutes may mean losing it forever. Invest in a quality U-lock and learn to properly lock up your bike.

 

WATCH THE WEATHER.

Chicago is known for its erratic weather. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a torrential downpour mid-ride. Always double-check the weather app on your phone before getting in the saddle.

 

ALWAYS CARRY WATER. 

During the hot summers, you’ll appreciate having something cold to rehydrate. And during the winter, some hot water can help melt any frost hindering your bike’s performance. Any time of year, having some water on hand to clean a cut or scrape can be a good first aid tool, too.

Did you know that Ivy Residences offers a bike rental program for our residents? This is a perfect option for all renters because it’s directly through our office. No waiting for replies on Maroon Marketplace that go unanswered, and no meeting up with someone from Craigslist you don’t know.

Best of all, when you move out, you just bring the bike back to our office–no need to sell it! See our webpage for more details and contact our office to rent yours today.