Bicycling in Oak Park
The Village of Oak Park has a long tradition of encouraging safe cycling with bicycle friendly Share the Road signs at all major community entry points, written guidelines to help cyclists and motorists get along on the roadway and bike racks located throughout the community.
In 2015, Oak Park was named a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, a national bicycling advocacy group.
Bicycle Parking
The Village offers a wide range of bicycle parking throughout the community - Bike Rack Location Map. Covered bicycle parking is available near the intermodal CTA/Union Pacific station on North Boulevard at Forest Avenue.
Fixit stations with all the tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes and derailleurs, are available at the bike shelters located at Forest Avenue and North Boulevard, Harrison Street and Euclid Avenue, Oak Park Avenue and Garfield Street and Harrison Street and East Avenue.
Bicycle Planning
The Village of Oak Park adopted its first comprehensive plan to encourage and facilitate bicycling in 2008. The 2008 Bicycle Plan(PDF, 969KB) outlined a comprehensive framework for increasing bicycle use by making the community more bicycle friendly. The formal planning document gave Oak Park the tools to move toward developing a world-class bicycling network and facilities that are accommodating and safe for all users.
In 2014 the Village of Oak Park contracted with the Active Transportation Alliance to conduct a more targeted study focusing on bike sharing systems and bicycle routes that would connect neighborhoods via low-traffic, low-speed, residential streets. This study, which now an addendum to the 2008 Bicycle Plan, was approved by the Village Board on July 20, 2015. View the 2014 Bicycle Plan Addendum(PDF, 9MB).
Bicycle boulevards, or neighborhood greenways as they are called in the study, are streets designed to prioritize bicycle travel. The study includes recommendations on infrastructure that calms and reduces vehicle traffic on neighborhood streets, and improves safety at busy intersections. The goal is an attractive, safe and comfortable environment for people on bicycles, and more peaceful residential streets.
Bicycle Sidewalk Rules
Riding on a sidewalk by anyone of any age is not allowed in the business districts, including downtown. And only those under 15 years of age may ride on a sidewalk anywhere else in the community. Youngsters riding on sidewalks always must yield to pedestrians. For more information on bicycle rules and safety, call 708.386.3800 or email police@oak-park.us.
Deter Bike Thieves
Bicycle thefts tend to increase during warmer weather. Following these steps, police say, can help deter bicycle thieves:
- Don’t leave your bike unlocked or unattended. Police recommend a U lock.
- Lock your bike even when it is stored in a closed garage, enclosed porch or basement common area.
- Never let anyone you do not know take your bike for a ride.
- Be cautious of two people on one bike. Bicycle thieves often travel in pairs this way.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel someone is going to take your bicycle, shout for help.
- Stay in the company of friends — there usually is safety in numbers.
- Think twice about resisting — your bike can be replaced.
- Call 911 immediately if you see anyone suspicious hanging around a bike rack, in a neighbor’s yard or near a garage.
- Register your bike with the Village. Should your bike be stolen and later recovered the registration provides information about its rightful owner.
Police urge parents to share these tips with their children. For more information, call 708.386.3800, email police@oak-park.us or talk to your resident or neighborhood beat officer. Contact information is posted in the Get to Know Your RBO page.
Helmets Required
Bicyclists under age 17 are required to wear a helmet. The helmet requirement grew from months of study by the Board of Health, whose volunteer membership includes health care professionals. In making their recommendation for the new local law, Board of Health members presented information from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration about injuries and deaths caused by bicyclists who have accidents while riding without a helmet.
Enforcement focuses on education rather than punishment. However, parents of repeat offenders could face a $25 fine or be required to do community service.
Using Mass Transit
Bicycles are permitted on CTA and Metra buses and trains except during weekday morning and afternoon rush hours. All CTA and PACE buses serving Oak Park have bike racks mounted on them as well.