Thursday, July 31, 2025

Chicago’s Divvy Expansion Brings More Riders — and a Greater Need for Safety Awareness

Chicago’s Bike Boom Brings Opportunity — and Responsibility

Chicago’s cycling culture is thriving. In 2024, Divvy, the city’s bike and scooter share system operated by Lyft, hit an all-time high with more than 11 million rides — a clear sign that Chicagoans are embracing biking as a daily mode of transportation.

With the 2025 biking season in full swing, the City of Chicago and Lyft have announced major upgrades to the Divvy network designed to make riding even more accessible, affordable, and equitable:

  • Lower annual membership: Just $99/year (down from $143.90)

  • Expanded capacity: 750 new docks are being added across downtown, including a 50% expansion at Navy Pier

  • Equity-focused changes: Unlock fees have been eliminated in South and West Side priority zones

  • Better ride options: More predictable ebike pricing and a new “low assist” mode for a classic ride feel

This is a big win for sustainable transportation — but also a wake-up call for the city to prioritize safety for everyone on the road.

The More We Ride, The More We Must Protect Riders

At Keating Law Offices, we applaud the city’s micromobility efforts. But as bike, scooter, and pedestrian traffic increases, so too does the risk of crashes caused by driver negligence or unsafe infrastructure.

Common causes of bicycle and pedestrian accidents in Chicago include:

  • Dooring incidents, where a driver opens a car door into a cyclist’s path

  • Failure to yield at crosswalks and intersections

  • Distracted driving, including texting or in-vehicle distractions

  • Hazardous roads, debris, or poorly maintained bike lanes

Unfortunately, when accidents happen, the consequences can be devastating:
Broken bones. Traumatic brain injuries. Permanent disability. And the financial fallout — medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care — can be just as life-altering.

Why Injured Riders Turn to Keating Law Offices

At IllinoisBicycleLaw.com, our mission is to protect the rights of injured cyclists and pedestrians across Illinois. Keating Law Offices is proud to be Chicago’s leading bicycle law firm — and the legal team that cyclists trust when the unthinkable happens.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • ✅ Track Record of Success: Millions recovered for injured riders and their families

  • ✅ Micromobility Legal Experience: Deep knowledge of Chicago’s evolving bike and scooter laws

  • ✅ Thorough Investigations: We uncover crucial evidence — including dashcam footage, Divvy data, and witness accounts

  • ✅ Client-Focused Representation: We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing

  • ✅ Advocates for Safer Streets: We support legislation and infrastructure that protect vulnerable road users

What To Do If You’ve Been Injured on a Bike or Scooter in Chicago

If you’re hurt in a bicycle, scooter, or pedestrian crash, take these steps immediately:

  1. Get medical attention – even if injuries seem minor

  2. File a police report – and request a copy

  3. Document the scene – photos of the crash site, your bike or scooter, and visible injuries

  4. Call Keating Law Offices – before speaking to insurance adjusters or signing anything

Looking Ahead: Safer Streets for All Chicagoans

As Chicago doubles down on micromobility access, we all share the responsibility to keep our streets safe. Drivers must be vigilant. Riders must be aware. And when negligence causes harm, Keating Law Offices will be here to fight for justice.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike, scooter, or pedestrian crash, call us today at 833-CALL-KLO or visit www.IllinoisBicycleLaw.com to speak with a Chicago bicycle accident attorney.

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