Biking is becoming more popular for those looking for more eco-friendly travel methods. While biking involves significant cost savings, riders must invest more time in reaching their final destination. Not all cities and states have the infrastructure to support convenient biking and other forms of public transportation.
Let’s explore how Chicago and New Jersey stack up and which is more bikeable for residents.
Several factors can influence just how bikeable a place can be, and they are discussed in more detail below. Chicago is a large, densely populated city. There are no equitably sized cities within New Jersey, so we’re exploring the state as a whole for comparison.
Many locations have made investments to encourage biking. This reduces congestion, frees up space on the road, and decreases pollution.
Chicago currently has more than 471 miles of bikeways within the city limits. They are in protected bike lanes, neighborhood greenways, lake-view trails, and more to help protect riders as they bike throughout the city. These bike lanes are spread throughout the city, including the south and west sides, to help increase transportation access across all income levels.
According to the Bike League, New Jersey is the 9th bicycle-friendly state, beating Illinois at number 15. They have bike paths, bike lanes, sidewalks, rail trails, and cycle tracks. They are marked and have policies in place to help support bike laws.
While both have infrastructure in place to support biking, New Jersey’s foundation is stronger. Its efforts are not concentrated within a single city; instead, they are focused on state-wide initiatives, unlike Illinois, whose efforts are primarily concentrated in Chicago.
Despite the marked bike lanes, bike accidents still occur and are on the rise. This can be due to several factors, including distracted driving, lack of visibility, and failure to adhere to road rules. Bike accidents are not always fatal but can be more devastating if they occur between a car, truck, or bus.
In New Jersey, about 24 cyclists are killed in traffic crashes each year. In Illinois, that total jumps to 29 bicyclists yearly, many of which occur within Chicago. Both of these statistics are too high. No one should lose their life to senseless bike accidents, and a Chicago bike accident lawyer can help if you or your loved ones have found yourself in this situation.
In terms of safety, New Jersey again ranks above Chicago. Fewer people die annually due to bike accidents in New Jersey, suggesting it may be a safer place to bike.
There are many different biking options in both Chicago and New Jersey. Riders can use traditional bikes, but there are also e-bikes available, which have motors to help with pedaling. These bikes come in different classes. Class 1 e-bikes have a motor that only works when the rider is pedaling, while Class 2 e-bikes have a motor that can be used regardless. Both cannot exceed 20 miles per hour.
In Chicago, e-bikes can be used anywhere that regular bikes can be used. They should always adhere to the road rules. Failure to do so could result in tickets or fines. In New Jersey, usage varies by city. Bikers should be able to use them in most bike lanes, paths, and roadways; however, you’ll want to check local regulations before riding to make sure.
Access to various bike options is similar in Chicago and New Jersey, and a valid driver’s license is not required to operate a class 1 or class 2 e-bike.
The location’s environmental factors can determine its bikeability. For example, cities with a lot of hills and rough terrain are less bikable than cities that are flat with paved streets. It’s easier to ride, making it more likely for people to want to bike without exhausting themselves.
Chicago is relatively flat. The streets are in a grid system, and while there are extensive trails on the lakefront and in parks, they, too, are easy to navigate. New Jersey, conversely, has a variety of terrain, and what you will experience depends on where you are riding. While riding in some areas can be more challenging, the views are breathtaking and worth the extra effort.
If you are looking for a more flat ride, Chicago is the winner, while the terrains in New Jersey have more options.
Chicago and New Jersey have pros and cons to biking within the area. New Jersey wins out if you are looking for the best place to bike. It has more substantial infrastructure in place and fewer accidents. While the terrain varies from place to place, riders can experience more beautiful views when riding in New Jersey. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference which is better for you.
