Bike Fatalities
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The negligent driver who killed Steve Bender on his bike was merely cited for failure to reduce speed. His family wants tougher state laws.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 29, 2024, in beautiful late-spring weather, Steve Bender, 73, bicycled east from his home in the Chicago suburb of Tinley Park. According to his wife Mary, he was riding an orange Orbea road bike and wearing a bright blue jersey, making him easy to see. They were planning to celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary the next month.
January 11, 2026
After a semi driver fatally struck Chance Hunnicutt, 13, on his bike in Manhattan, IL, mayor calls for “safe streets, protected crossings”
The police chief provided information about the movements of the truck driver and bike rider before the crash, and said the department is trying to meet with IDOT.
October 22, 2025
Loved ones, bike advocates honored Yader Castaneda, fatally struck by Hummer driver at dangerous Loop intersection
Yesterday, family members, friends, and supporters gathered to install a "ghost bike" memorial to fallen cyclist Yader "Yak" Casteneda, 18 at Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue in the Loop. In speeches during the vigil, his loved ones remembered him as an ambitious, hard-working person, and a supportive brother and friend, who lit up a room with his presence.
August 4, 2025
CPD: Driver distraction, speed played a role in death of Divvy rider Yader Castaneda, 18. Deadly vehicle design may have also been a factor.
Sadly, Chicago saw its first bike fatality of 2025 on Memorial Day, when a Hummer driver fatally struck Yader Castaneda, 18, while he was riding an electric Divvy bike-share cycle in the Loop.
May 28, 2025
