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How much risk do Chicago pedestrians and cyclists face?

On Behalf of | Jun 24, 2025 | Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists and pedestrians are common sights on the roads around Chicago throughout the warmer months.

Walking or biking can keep transportation costs low while also helping people maintain their physical fitness. Unfortunately, people sharing the road with motor vehicles are at higher injury risk than they may initially realize.

Cyclists and pedestrians who understand collision statistics and injury risks may make more safety-conscious decisions in traffic. What do cyclists and pedestrians need to know about their risk on Chicago roads?

There is an outsized risk of a crash

Pedestrians and cyclists are at more risk than people realize. In 2022, Chicago saw 2,698 pedestrian crashes and 1,717 bicycle collisions. Overall, there were 108,083 traffic incidents reported in Chicago for the year. Roughly 4% of all collisions involved pedestrians or cyclists.

Injury risk is also higher

People involved in car crashes have a vehicle to protect them. There are safety systems inside the vehicle, and the structure of the vehicle protects them from the force of impact.

Unfortunately, the same is not true for those who are on bicycles or on foot when a collision occurs. Pedestrians struck by cars have nothing to protect them and are at significant risk of serious injury or death. Cyclists are also quite vulnerable, even if they wear appropriate safety gear.

Broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and a host of other injuries, such as road rash, are possible after cyclist or pedestrian crashes. The potential for a fatal crash is also much higher. The size and speed of the motor vehicle can directly influence the risk of mortality.

Injured people may need help estimating their losses and looking into their options for financial compensation. Recognizing that pedestrians and cyclists are at elevated risk on Chicago roads may help make it easier for people to protect themselves from injury and assert themselves if they do get hurt. The costs generated in pedestrian and bicycle collisions are often significant enough to warrant personal injury litigation rather than a simple insurance claim.

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