In the City of Chicago, bicycles are legally classified as vehicles. By virtue of that fact, the general rule is that bicyclists must follow the same laws as others who use the city’s roadways. As drivers of passenger cars aren’t allowed to drive on sidewalks, bicyclists aged 12 and over generally aren’t allowed to use sidewalks in Chicago either pursuant to section 9-52- 020 of the Chicago Municipal Code which states as follows: “(a) Unless the prohibition imposed by subsection (c) or (d) applies, a person may ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk along a business street only if such sidewalk has been officially designated and marked as a bicycle route, or such sidewalk is used to enter the nearest roadway, intersection, or designated bicycle path, or to access a bicycle share station.” Even if they’re riding on a sidewalk bike route, bicyclists are still required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
The Subsections to Section 9-52-020
Subsection (c) to section 9-52-020 involves riding bicycles on Lake Shore Drive or anywhere else where signs prohibit bicycles. Subsection (d) prohibits Class 3 electric bikes being used on any sidewalk.
Many Pedestrians Are in Another World
In many areas of the city, riding a bike on a sidewalk can put both bicyclists and pedestrians in danger. Many pedestrians are utterly oblivious to what’s occurring around them. They might be focusing on texting, making a phone call, talking on their phone, exiting a business premises or even fail to hear a seemingly audible warning from a bicyclist because of the cacophony of sound in the city, especially during business hours. They might even be wearing headphones or ear buds, and both are perfectly legal for a pedestrian to use. On the other hand, we can assume that drivers of motor vehicles are aware of the fact that they must keep their eyes on the road around them and ahead of them to avoid being in an accident.
Fines for Riding on the Sidewalk
You don’t want to get caught by police riding a bike on the sidewalk of a business street in Chicago. Fines can range between $50 and $200. Court costs might be imposed on top of any fine too.