Chicago Accident Lawyer Blog
The Bicycle Accident attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. remind residents to use caution over the next week and half, as our roadways become inundated with the thousands of cyclists expected to take part in Chicago’s annual Bike Week. This year’s events, part of Bike Chicago 2014, are set to begin on June 13th and continue through until June 20th. Aimed at promoting the environmental and health benefits of biking, as well as safety awareness, this long standing tradition continues to gain popularity, as is shown by the substantial increase in attendance rates since the initiation of bike Chicago more than two decades ago. As stated by Mayor Emanuel in a Press Release:
“Every day more and more people are using bike share programs or their own bikes to get around City streets and the lakefront path, whether it’s to work, to shop, or for fitness. Bicycling is a reliable, fast, affordable, healthy and great alternative form of transportation that all residents and visitors can utilize and enjoy.”
One of the central focal points to Bike Chicago 2014, is Bike-to-Work week, in which residents are encouraged to forego the use of motorized vehicles, and bike to work for the entire week between the 13th and 20th of June. As a means of motivating participation in Bike-to-Work week, the Bike Commuter Challenge, [link to http://bikecommuterchallenge.org/ ] allows commuters to sign up to compete for prizes with other businesses and organizations, based upon ridership rates. In addition, participants may also challenge their colleagues, and team leaders can challenge other teams.
On the final day of the challenge, June 20th, a Bike-to-Work Rally is scheduled to take place between 7am to 9 am at Daley Plaza (Washington and Dearborn Streets), where riders can enjoy live music, free continental breakfast, as well as receive a free T-shirt for attending the event. In addition to the rally, there are dozens of events that are expected to take place during this week-long celebration of cycling. To view bike week events, visit the City of Chicago’s Official Website.
In addition to Bike Week festivities, there are a number of additional cycling races, rides and events throughout the month of June that cyclists can participate in. In fact, there are multiple bicycling-related events that have already been scheduled to take place up-through the month of October.
While Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. supports the use of bicycles due to the benefits offered to community residents, businesses, and most importantly, the environment, we have concerns over the heightened risk for accident or injury due to the increased presence of bicyclists, not only during bike week, but also throughout summer and fall months. Despite the efforts, initiatives, and planning aimed at improving the safety for bicyclists, the truth of the matter remains to be that cycling in our city can be a dangerous endeavor.
If you were injured, or a loved one was killed, as a result of a bicycle collision that was caused by the negligence of another, our Chicago Bike Accident attorneys want to help you obtain the compensation that you and your family deserve. Contact us today at 773-516-4100 to schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation.