Chicago B-cycle — a new bike sharing program operated by Bike and Roll Chicago — debuted a week ago and runs through Oct. 31, according to Explore Chicago.
Our Chicago injury lawyers have high hopes for this program. It’s another sign that Chicago has become one of the premiere cycling cities in the nation. We reported in May when Chicago was named the 10th best city in America by Bicycle Magazine. The city has made great improvements to area bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure. With B-cycle, Chicago joins Denver, Montreal and other European cities where bike-sharing has become a popular public service.
But we remain concerned about the danger for serious and fatal bicycle accidents. David Abels was interviewed by Medill Reports Chicago regarding safety concerns for the new program.
“We do see a lot of bicycle accidents in the Chicago area,” Attorney Dave Abels said. “The concern here is with new bikes hitting the streets in The Loop — where driving is especially aggressive — that these drivers are paying attention.”
Click here to watch the story from Medill Reports Chicago.The program is designed to allow pedestrians to make short bike rides for health or for fun. Simply check out a bike at any of six conveniently located “B-Stations” located throughout downtown:
•John Hancock Center, Michigan Ave. & Delaware Pl.
•Daley Plaza, Dearborn St. & Washington St.
•Buckingham Fountain, Columbus Dr. & Congress Pkwy.
•Shedd Aquarium, Museum Campus •McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive •541 Fairbanks Court at Grand Ave.
Bikes may be dropped off at any of these locations or at Bike and Roll’s rental stations at Navy Pier, North Avenue Beach and Millennium Park. Visit www.chicagobicycle.com for a map and look for the iPhone App coming soon.
This is the latest in a series of efforts by the city that have allowed for significant increases in the number of cycles on the road, even as safety advocates work to reduce the number of serious and fatal Chicago bicycle accidents.
Still, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports more than 3,000 serious bicycle accidents occur each year in the state, primarily in the Chicago area. And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 27 people were killed in Illinois bicycle accidents in 2008 — up significantly from the 18 riders killed in 2007. Nationwide, 716 riders were killed and more than 52,000 riders were injured in cycling accidents.
If you have been injured in a Chicago bicycle accident, contact Abels & Annes for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.