Do Chicago Bicyclists Have to Walk Bikes Through Crosswalks?

There are times when you might see a bicyclist who is walking their bike through a crosswalk, especially on crowded intersections like at Washington and Dearborn over by the Picasso at the Daley Center. There is no state statute or Chicago ordinance that specifically addresses walking bikes through crosswalks, but remember that under Illinois law, bikes are vehicles. Riders are subject to the same traffic laws as drivers of passenger cars and other motor vehicles.

The Exception to the General Rule

ILCS 5/11-1512(b) carves out an exception to the bicycles on crosswalks rule. It states that “A person shall not ride a bicycle upon and along . . . . a crosswalk, where such use of bicycles is prohibited by official traffic-control devices.” Subsection (c) of the statute further states that “a person propelling a bicycle . . . . upon and along a crosswalk shall have all of the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.”

The Duty of Care When Walking Bikes Through Crosswalks

Every pedestrian in the State of Illinois has a duty of care so as not to cause harm to the person or property of others.  The also have a owe a duty of care so as not to cause harm to themselves. Whether walking or riding a bike along a crosswalk, those duties of care exist. Given the fact that an accident could occur between a bicyclist and a pedestrian in a crowded crosswalk, it may well be more prudent for him or her to walk a bike through a crosswalk. Of course, if riding through a crosswalk is prohibited by an official traffic control device, a bicyclist must walk their bike through the crosswalk in order to comply with Illinois law.

Always obey traffic control devices, and if one doesn’t control crosswalk traffic, bicyclists must still exercise due care and caution for the safety of themselves and others.