Oak Lawn, IL Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Riding position
- Ride as near right-hand curb as possible
- Group riding
- Single file only, not two abreast
- First-offense fine
- At least $100
- Repeat fines
- $250, then $750
- E-bikes in bike lanes
- Authorized under § 11-9B-3(F)
Summary
Oak Lawn requires cyclists to ride as near the right-hand curb as conditions permit, bars riding two abreast, and lets low-speed electric bicycles use marked bicycle lanes citywide.
All bicycles/tricycles shall be operated as near to the right-hand curb as conditions will permit, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
D. Emerging from Alley, Driveway, Garage: Any person operating a bicycle/ tricycle emerging from an alley, driveway or garage, shall stop the bicycle/ tricycle immediately prior to driving onto or across a sidewalk or onto or across a sidewalk line projected across any alley, and shall exercise extreme care in these cases.
E. Clinging, Attaching to Moving Vehicles: No person operating a bicycle/ tricycle shall cling to or attach himself to any other moving vehicle.
F. Attaching Other Vehicles to Bicycles/Tricycles: No bicycle/tricycle shall have attached to it any other vehicle such as a wagon or sled.
G. Riding on Sidewalks:
1. No person shall ride a bicycle/tricycle on the sidewalk in the business district.
2. Whenever a person is riding a bicycle/tricycle upon a sidewalk other than in the business district, such person shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian and shall give audible signal before overtaking and passing such person.
H. Pedestrians' Right of Way: The pedestrian has the right of way over bicycles/tricycles at all times.
I. Obstructing Streets, Sidewalk: No bicycle/tricycle shall be left lying upon any street or sidewalk or in such position as to obstruct or interfere with the use of any street or sidewalk.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Code current through: Ord. 26-09-22, passed April 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Village Code § 11-9A-11(C) requires every bicycle or tricycle operated in Oak Lawn to travel "as near to the right-hand curb as conditions will permit," using due care when passing a standing or same-direction vehicle. Subsection (B) bars group riders from going two abreast, requiring single file instead. Anyone who violates any part of § 11-9A-11 faces escalating fines under subsection (P): at least $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second within twelve months, and $750 for a third, with police authorized to impound a minor's bicycle under subsection (Q). Separately, § 11-9B-3(F) authorizes low-speed electric bicycles to use bicycle lanes.
Violations & Fines
First violation: fine of at least $100. Second violation within 12 months: at least $250. Third or subsequent violation: at least $750. Minors' bicycles may be impounded by Oak Lawn police under § 11-9A-11(Q).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oak Lawn require cyclists to ride near the curb or in a bike lane?
Can electric bikes use Oak Lawn's bicycle lanes?
What's the penalty for violating Oak Lawn's bicycle riding rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oak Lawn
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