Many people across Illinois have taken up cycling, and residents of Northbrook are part of this growing community. The township has about 35,000 people and numerous bike paths and bike lanes for cyclists. Unfortunately, bicycle crashes in Northrbook can result in devastating injuries, making bicycle safety in Northbrook, IL, critical.

Where People Ride Bicycles In Northbrook

Northbrook has a good network of trails and bike paths, including:

  • North Branch Trail: This is a popular 25.5-mile paved trail that connects Northbrook to Chicago’s northern neighborhood and is completely separated from cars, making it safer for riders.
  • Skokie Valley Trail: This trail currently extends along the eastern part of Northbrook. However, there are plans to extend it further from Lake Cook Road to Dundee Road.
  • Techny Prairie Park Trails: There are paths within this park connected to other trails and streets in the Village.
  • Wood Oaks Green Park: This popular recreation area contains dirt trails for walking and biking, picnic spots, and a playground.
  • Chipilly Woods: This features shared-use, wooded paths for recreation. Cyclists should be cautious in limited visibility areas.
  • Ed Rudolph Velodrome: This is a special outdoor track in Meadowhill Park built specifically for bicycle racing, which the Northbrook Park District also uses for multiple cycling programs throughout the year.

Northbrook offers a well-connected network of bike trails and paths, providing cyclists with both recreational and commuting options. While these routes enhance safety, riders should remain vigilant, especially in areas with shared paths or limited visibility.

How Often Bicycle Crashes Happen In Northbrook

The Illinois Department of Transportation collects information about bicycle crashes in Northbrook. The most recent data show that in 2021, Northbrook recorded 10 crashes. Nine of these crashes resulted in injuries, but no fatalities were reported that year. Riders between the ages of 10 and 14 had the highest number of crashes.

Where Crashes Typically Happen

Looking at where crashes happen can help identify dangerous areas that need improvement. Reports show that most bicycle crashes occur at intersections. Major crossroads with multiple recorded crashes include:

  • Skokie Boulevard and Lake Cook Road
  • Dundee Road at major intersections
  • Shermer Road and Techny Road

Knowing these high-risk locations can help cyclists be more cautious and help the Village plan safety improvements.

Why Bicycle Crashes Happen in Northbrook

Understanding the common causes of bike crashes can help prevent them:

  • Drivers Failing to Yield the Right of Way: This often happens when drivers make turns without looking for cyclists
  • Traveling Recklessly in Poor Visibility Conditions: Many crashes happen at dawn or dusk or in areas where it’s hard to see 
  • Dooring Incidents: This happens when someone in a parked car opens their door directly in the path of an oncoming cyclist.
  • Distracted Driving and Cycling: Both drivers and cyclists sometimes pay attention to phones or devices instead of the road.
  • Failure to Follow Traffic Signals: Bicyclists must follow the same rules as motor vehicles, coming to a complete stop at stop signs and traffic signals when indicated

Illinois law also requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing (625 ILCS 5/11-703). When drivers pass too closely, sideswipe accidents can occur.

How Northbrook Is Improving Bike Safety

Northbrook has started several programs to make cycling safer, including:

  • The Village’s Transportation Commission regularly reviews and supports new bike lanes and signs throughout Northbrook
  • Educational programs in schools and through the Northbrook Park District teach safe cycling habits to children and adults.
  • The Village continues to add new bike lanes and improve crossings, such as the new bike lanes on Techny Road.
  • Northbrook Police sometimes run special enforcement campaigns focusing on both driver and cyclist behavior to encourage safer road-sharing
  • Community groups help raise awareness and push for better cycling conditions.

It also takes personal initiative from drivers and cyclists to truly make the roads safe for riding bicycles.

Cycling Safely in Northbrook

Northbrook has good bike trails and paths, which encourages a strong cycling culture. The city is constantly engaging in civic education, educating vehicle drivers on the importance of protecting bicycle riders. However, cyclists should be extremely vigilant, especially when riding alongside vehicle traffic, to prevent bicycle crashes.