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Elgin Offers Access to Exhilarating Bike Paths
Bicycle enthusiasts looking for a great way to enjoy an afternoon over the weekend need look no further than an adventure on one of the renowned paths that run through Elgin. The Illinois Prairie Path has five main branches that follow old rail routes, and the Elgin branch runs over 27 miles, linking to paths that send bicyclists as far as Aurora or into the city. The Fox River Trail runs along the Fox River and is an ideal path for riders who can appreciate a journey through forest preserves and in and out of residential and industrial backdrops. Comparisons are made between the Fox River Trail and Chicago’s Lakeshore Path due to how both paths consistently run along bodies of water.
The Bicycle Ambassador Program
In response to the need to educate more bicyclists on the bicycle laws of the state and how to traverse city streets in a safe manner, the city of Elgin launched an ambassador program in which specialists teach residents the rules of the road and how best to protect themselves from injuries. Information provided includes how to choose proper safety gear, how to safely enter traffic, how to maintain a bicycle in order to prevent equipment malfunctions and how to protect bicycles from theft.
Elgin’s municipal code refers directly back to the Illinois Vehicle Code rather than establishing local ordinances regarding the operation of bicycles with the exception that all bicycles must be registered prior to operation. Registration is free and residents can obtain registration cards from the Police Department (Elgin Ordinance Chapter 11.44).
When riding your bicycle in traffic, Illinois law dictates that you must abide by the same laws that motorists are required to follow. Make sure to make yourself visible to the best of your ability in order to alert drivers of your presence, as many accidents are the result of drivers failing to see the cyclist. At night, this can be accomplished with a headlamp and lighted tail light or reflectors on the pedals and back of the bike.
Bicycle Accidents Cause Severe Injuries
It is an undeniable fact that the use of protective gear such as a helmet can greatly reduce the severity of your injuries if you are involved in an accident, but most of your body is exposed and vulnerable throughout the course of a collision. Bicyclists tend to suffer more serious injuries as a result, which require immediate medical attention and long term care during recovery. Common injuries include the following.
- Compound fractures and shattered bones.
- Deep abrasions, cuts and puncture wounds, which may become infected or result in scarring.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal injuries of the neck or back.
When recovering from injuries following any accident, the exorbitant cost of medical treatment often feels like an insult added to your pain. If your accident was the result of the other party’s carelessness or mistake, you are entitled to receive compensation for the cost of your medical bills, time off work and rehabilitation.
The Elgin bicycle accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC specialize in providing clients with the maximum recovery of compensation allowed under law, so contact us today to learn more about your legal options and how we can assist you.
We will not collect a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
