Bicycle Safety

Bike Smart - Wear a Helmet

Helmet
The Libertyville Police Department takes bicycle safety seriously. While we have many tips for biking safe and smart - the first is the most important - WEAR A HELMET.

The Libertyville Police Department has numerous Police Officers assigned to our Bike Unit. They wear helmets, and so should you and your children!

Make it a rule - if you're going to ride a bike, you have to wear a helmet.

Make sure the helmet fits right:
  • A helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position, and should not rock forward, backward, or side to side.
  • Position the helmet to your eyes. You should be able to look up and see the rim of the helmet.
  • Check the ears. The straps from the helmet should form a "V" under the ears when buckled.
  • Check the mouth. Open your mouth as wide as you can. If you can't feel the helmet hug your head, you may need to tighten the straps.

Make Sure Your Bike is Safe Too...

Fit the bicycle to the person that will be riding it. While it may be tempting to buy a bigger bike so a child can grow into it, it can increase the chances they will have difficulty controlling it and crash.

Before each ride - inspect the bike. Make sure there is enough air in the tires, the brakes work, the seat is tight and straight, and the reflectors and lights work.

Ride Safe

Find or create a safe place for children to ride and practice their bicycle skills. Sidewalk riding should only be done when a parent is accompanying a child, or they are old enough to recognize hazards such as driveways, pedestrians, and broken or uneven surfaces.

Don't dart across streets, alleys, or driveways. Bicyclists are required to follow many of the same rules of the road as vehicles such as:
  • Stopping at stop signs and traffic lights
  • Signalling turns
  • Riding in the same direction as vehicle traffic

For more information on the Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road, visit the Illinois Secretary of State's website by clicking -> Bicycle Rules of the Road

Biking in Libertyville

Bike Route
Libertyville is a bike friendly community. The Village has numerous bike paths and routes, including the North Shore Bike Path and the Des Plaines River Trail.

When riding on bike paths and routes, make sure you know where you are in case of emergency. Watch for streets or major landmarks you recently passed. If you do need help, dial 9-1-1 from a wireless phone, and the dispatcher will help locate you.

For a copy of bike paths and routes in Libertyville, click on -> Bicycle Map

Want to learn more? Take the quiz!

Do you want to learn more about skills and laws relevant to bicyclists?

Whether you're a bicyclist or a motorist, click on the link below to visit the League of Illinois Bicyclist's website to learn more. You'll not only have the chance to learn, but take a quiz at the end to test your knowledge.

Illinois bicycle safety quiz challenge

Register Your Bike

Is your bicycle registered with the Police Department?

Stop by at any time and take a few minutes to fill out a bike registration card.

We'll need the color, make, model and serial number. We'll give you a sticker to put on your bike.

Help us be able to return your bicycle in the event it's ever lost or stolen.

Riding on Sidewalks

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation Policies and Procedures for Local Bicycle Facilities, sidewalks are generally not designed, nor recommended for bicycle travel, primarily because of the narrow width and multiple opportunities for conflicts with driveways and commercial entrances.

The Village Municipal Code states, when so designated by a sign indicating NO BICYCLE RIDING, it shall be unlawful for any person, except specially trained and uniformed police bicycle patrol officers, to operate a bicycle in the downtown area adjacent to Milwaukee Avenue, in the portion between Broadway Street and Lake Street, and in the area adjacent to Lake Street, in the portion between Brainerd Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue, including the buildings and grounds of properties immediately adjacent to the designated section of Milwaukee Avenue and Lake Street. Bicycles may be walked through the special pedestrian area, and may be parked only at locations designated for bicycle parking.

If someone should choose to bicycle on the sidewalk, they should follow these guidelines:
  • When walking or riding your bicycle on a sidewalk or along a crosswalk, you must obey all pedestrian signs and signals.
  • Bicyclists must yield the right of way to pedestrians on sidewalks or crosswalks. Slow down and go around them when possible.
  • When approaching a pedestrian from behind, slow down and give an audible signal to alert him/her of your presence before passing them.

Riding on the Roadway (Preferred/Recommended)
  • When riding your bicycle on Village roadways, you must obey the same traffic laws, signs and signals that apply to motorists.
  • Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as other traffic. Riding in the opposite direction of traffic is both dangerous and against the law.
  • Motorists are required by law to allow at least 3 feet of space between them and a bicyclist when passing.