Are Bicyclists Considered Pedestrians in Illinois?

 Posted on March 30, 2025 in Car Accident

With spring making its appearance, many people in Illinois are riding their bicycles. The question of whether bike riders are considered pedestrians is common. Because bicycles can travel on both sidewalks and roads, the answer is, "It depends on where the bike is being ridden."

While biking can be a fun way to exercise or an inexpensive mode of travel, bicyclists are extremely vulnerable if they are involved in an accident. So are pedestrians. Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists need to follow traffic rules to avoid collisions. If you are injured in an accident caused by someone else, one of our skilled Arlington Heights, IL personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.

How Dangerous Are Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents?

Reviewing 2023 Illinois crash data shows just how deadly these accidents can be:

• Although only 1.5 percent of the year’s total crashes were pedestrian accidents, they represented 6.8 percent of injury accidents and 17.3 percent of fatal collisions.

• Bicyclist accidents accounted for less than 1 percent of all reported crashes, 4.2 percent of injury accidents, and 3.6 percent of fatal collisions.

• 4,336 pedestrians were injured, 956 sustained incapacitating injuries, and 195 were killed.

• 2,599 bicyclists were injured, 354 had severe injuries, and 41 were killed.

Although local governments may require some or all bicyclists to wear helmets, there is no state law for helmet usage. However, using an appropriate helmet is strongly suggested, as it can provide limited protection in case of an accident.

Both pedestrians and bicyclists, even those wearing helmets, are extremely vulnerable if a motor vehicle hits them. Spinal cord and brain injuries, organ damage, broken bones, and facial wounds are common.

When Are Bicyclists Considered Pedestrians?

When a bike is ridden through a crosswalk or on a sidewalk, the bicyclist is considered a pedestrian. When using streets and roads, bikes are considered vehicles. While this may not seem important, it can impact a personal injury case because pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists have different rules of the road to follow. Everyone sharing the roads in Illinois needs to be aware of others and what these laws require.

Who Causes Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents?

Drivers sometimes fail to see pedestrians or bicycles, often due to dark clothing when it is dark out, their small size compared to cars, distractions, or other factors. Dooring, which is when a car occupant opens a door in the path of an oncoming bicycle, is also common. When that happens, the bicyclist may not have time to stop or change direction to avoid hitting the door.

Pedestrians or bicyclists can also contribute to causing accidents. Jaywalking, distractions, and entering a road when a car is approaching closely may not give drivers enough time to keep from hitting bicyclists and pedestrians.

Every accident is different, and your lawyer needs to investigate yours before we can tell you who is liable to pay your damages. Once we know who was at fault, we will fight to maximize your compensation.

Call Our Knowledgeable Palatine, IL Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Understanding all the rules of the road can help keep Illinois streets and roadways safer. However, if you are injured in an accident, one of our experienced Schaumburg, IL pedestrian accident attorneys can handle every aspect of your compensation claim. Call Newland & Newland, LLP at 847-797-8000 or contact us online now to schedule your no-cost case review.