When can a bicyclist ride on the left side of the lane? Here’s what Illinois law says
At least 24 bicyclists have been killed on Illinois roads so far this year, according to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, and 33 were reported dead in 2022.
Drivers are required to follow state laws, and sometimes local ordinances, to protect bikers and pedestrians, including yielding to them and checking mirrors and blind spots before turning.
Here’s what to know about the rules of the road for bicyclists and motorists driving around them in Illinois.
Illinois cyclist laws
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office released a “rules of the road” publication for cyclists this year. Here’s what state law says you should do in common biking situations:
Ride as close as is practicable and safe to the right side of the road as you can. A bicyclist can lawfully move left in the following circumstances:
When passing another bicycle or a vehicle traveling in the same direction;
When preparing to turn left;
When necessary to avoid fixed or moving objects in the way, such as animals, surface hazards, parked or moving cars, etc.;
When the lane is smaller than 14 feet wide, so cars and bikes cannot be safely operated side-by-side;
“When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized;” and
When riding on a highway with two or more lanes.
One of the most important safety tips bicyclists should be aware of, according to the state office, is it is “dangerous and illegal” to ride in the opposite direction of traffic.
Two bicyclists may lawfully ride side-by-side on the road so long as they do not impede the “normal and reasonable movement of traffic.” More than two bicyclists may only ride side-by-side in bike lanes or other paths used exclusively for biking.
Only one person should ride a bike at a time unless the vehicle is designed for more than one person, Illinois officials say.
When passing a parked car, bicyclists should avoid coming within 4 feet of car doors to avoid potentially being hit by someone exiting the vehicle, officials advise.
If you’re riding on a sidewalk (assuming it’s one that allows bicycles), best practices include:
Follow all pedestrian signs and signals.
Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians on sidewalks or crosswalks, and slow down and go around pedestrians when possible, Illinois’ rules of the road handbook says.
When passing a pedestrian from behind, slow down and use a bell or horn to alert your presence.
How motorists can keep bicyclists safe
When motorists pass a bicyclist, they’re legally required to allow at least 3 feet of space between them and the bicyclist, though more space is better, Illinois officials say.
“Since lanes on most roads are too narrow (less than 14 feet) to legally pass a bicycle within the same lane, drivers usually must merge over at least partially into the next lane to pass. If needed, wait to merge over and do not pass until it is safe to do so,” the Secretary of State’s office says.
In a no-passing zone, a motorist can lawfully pass a bicyclist if the cyclist is traveling at less than half of the speed limit, the motorist can pass them without speeding and there’s enough space on the left to pass safely.
Even if you don’t see a bicyclist in the bike lane, people should not drive, park or stand in the bike lane.
Drivers must yield to bicyclists and should watch for oncoming bicyclists when turning left, according to Illinois law.
“If a person drives in a reckless manner, unnecessarily close to or toward a bicyclist, and it results in a crash, the motorist may face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of the injury,” the state office says. “Bicyclists may need to ride outside a bike lane, and motorists should be prepared to move safely around them.”
