The results of the first ever bicycle-count study have been released as officials prepare for the spring riding season and work to reduce the risk of Chicago bicycle accidents.
The Chicago Department of Transportation reports Milwaukee Avenue is the most heavily biked road in the city. Bicycles made up less than 2 percent of traffic on most roads, compared to between 8 percent and 20 percent of traffic on Milwaukee Avenue. And, while 17 of 26 locations studied reported about 200 bicycles daily, the 600 block of North Milwaukee Avenue reported more than 3,000.Wells Street also recorded some of the city’s heaviest bicycle traffic.
The study was conducted during the summer and fall of 2009. Results were released last week. As our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys reported recently on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, bike lanes that share space with motorists increase the risk of a serious or fatal injury. Incoming Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proposed adding 100 miles of Chicago bicycle trails by the end of his first term.
Heavy bicycle traffic was found in the following areas:
-640 N. Milwaukee Avenue: 3,121
-1616 N. Milwaukee Avenue: 1,065
-1325 N. Wells Street: 1,501
-2225 W. Lawrence St.: 644
-2710 S. Halsted St.: 889
The city’s master bicycle plan, Bike 2015, aims to increase bicycle use to 5 percent of all trips under 5 miles. Of the 26 areas studied in this first count, 19 were dedicated bile lanes and four were city streets with shared lanes. The other three locations included a bus/bike lane and two streets without marked bike lanes.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Illinois bike accident, the Chicago personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential consultations to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.