There is still a lot of confusion over new laws here in IL. In an attempt to better understand the law, I've reread the Il. Vec. Code (the best i could) to try and find any ref. To mb's. The following are various tidbits i thought my fellow riders should be aware of.
On most roadways, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users. Bicyclists are prohibited on limited-access highways, expressways and certain other marked roadways.
Following are laws and safety tips you should know:
Bicyclists are required to travel in the same direction as vehicles.
Bicyclists should travel just to the right of faster moving traffic. However, certain hazards, such as rough surfaces, debris, drainage grates or a narrow traffic lane, may require bike riders to move toward the center of the lane.
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist just as they would to another vehicle.
And now some laws ( sorry for redundancey and that it's so long)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑106) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1‑106)*
** *Sec. 1‑106. Bicycle. Every device propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels except scooters and similar devices.*
(Source: P.A. 85‑951.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑132) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1‑132)*
** *Sec. 1‑132. Intersection.*
** *The area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways which join one another at, or approximately at, right angles or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different roadways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.*
** *(b) Where a highway includes two roadways 40 feet or more apart, then every crossing of each roadway of such divided highway by an intersecting highway shall be regarded as a separate intersection.*
** *
The junction of an alley with a street or highway does not constitute an intersection.*
(Source: P. A. 77‑321.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑140.10)*
** *Sec. 1‑140.10. Low‑speed electric bicycle. The term "low‑speed electric bicycle" has the same meaning ascribed to it by Section 38 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 2085).*
(Source: P.A. 96‑125, eff. 1‑1‑10.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑140.15)*
** *Sec. 1‑140.15. Low‑speed gas bicycle. A 2 or 3‑wheeled device with fully operable pedals and a gasoline motor of less than one horsepower, whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 miles per hour.*
(Source: P.A. 96‑125, eff. 1‑1‑10.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑145.001) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1‑148)*
** *Sec. 1‑145.001. Motor driven cycle. Every motorcycle and every motor scooter with less than 150 cubic centimeter piston displacement including motorized pedalcycles.*
(Source: P.A. 90‑89, eff. 1‑1‑98.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑146) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1‑146)*
** *Sec. 1‑146. Motor vehicle. Every vehicle which is self‑propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails, except for vehicles moved solely by human power, motorized wheelchairs, low‑speed electric bicycles, and low‑speed gas bicycles. For this Act, motor vehicles are divided into two divisions:*
** *First Division: Those motor vehicles which are designed for the carrying of not more than 10 persons.*
** *Second Division: Those motor vehicles which are designed for carrying more than 10 persons, those motor vehicles designed or used for living quarters, those motor vehicles which are designed for pulling or carrying freight, cargo or implements of husbandry, and those motor vehicles of the First Division remodelled for use and used as motor vehicles of the Second Division.*
(Source: P.A. 96‑125, eff. 1‑1‑10.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑147) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1‑147)*
** *Sec. 1‑147. Motorcycle.*
** *Every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor.*
(Source: P.A. 80‑262.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑148.2) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1‑148.2)*
** *Sec. 1‑148.2. Moped. A moped is a motor‑driven cycle, with or without optional power derived from manually operated pedals, whose speed attainable in one mile is at least 20 mph but not greater than 30 mph, and is equipped with a motor that produces 2 brake horsepower or less. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement shall not exceed 50 cubic centimeter displacement and the power drive system shall not require the operator to shift gears.*
(Source: P.A. 96‑554, eff. 1‑1‑10.)
** *Sec. 11‑1505. Position of bicycles and motorized pedal cycles on roadways ‑ Riding on roadways and bicycle paths.*
** *(a) Any person operating a bicycle or motorized pedal cycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable and safe to the right‑hand curb or edge of the roadway except under the following situations:*
** * * *1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle,
** *
motorized pedal cycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction; or
** * * *2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection
** *
or into a private road or driveway; or
** * * *3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions
** *
including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, motorized pedal cycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right‑hand curb or edge. For purposes of this subsection, a "substandard width lane" means a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle or motorized pedal cycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
** * * *4. When approaching a place where a right turn is
** *
authorized.
** *(b) Any person operating a bicycle or motorized pedal cycle upon a one‑way highway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near the left‑hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable.*
(Source: P.A. 95‑231, eff. 1‑1‑08.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/11‑1505.1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1505.1)*
** *Sec. 11‑1505.1. Persons riding bicycles or motorized pedal cycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than 2 abreast, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for their exclusive use. Persons riding 2 abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane subject to the provisions of Section 11‑1505.*
(Source: P.A. 83‑549.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/11‑1509) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1509)*
** *Sec. 11‑1509. Inspecting bicycles. A uniformed police officer may at any time upon reasonable cause to believe that a bicycle is unsafe or not equipped as required by law, or that its equipment is not in proper adjustment or repair, require the person riding the bicycle to stop and submit the bicycle to an inspection and such test with reference thereto as may be appropriate.*
(Source: P.A. 82‑132.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/11‑1516)*
** *Sec. 11‑1516. Low‑speed bicycles.
** *(a) A person may operate a low‑speed electric bicycle or low‑speed gas bicycle only if the person is at least 16 years of age.
** *(b) A person may not operate a low‑speed electric bicycle or low‑speed gas bicycle at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour upon any highway, street, or roadway.*
** * A person may not operate a low‑speed electric bicycle or low‑speed gas bicycle on a sidewalk.*
** *(d) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the provisions of this Article XV that apply to bicycles also apply to low‑speed electric bicycles and low‑speed gas bicycles.*
(Source: P.A. 96‑125, eff. 1‑1‑10.)
When passing a bicyclist do so slowly and leave at least three feet of passing space.
A motorist should not park or drive in marked bike lanes.
When following bicyclists, give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop quickly. Use extra caution during rainy and icy weather. At night do not use high beams when you see an oncoming bicycle rider.
After parking and before opening vehicle doors, a motorist should first check for bicyclists.
When a motorist is turning left and there is a bicyclist entering the intersection from the opposite direction, the driver should wait for the bicyclist to pass before making the turn. Also, if a motorist is sharing the left turn lane with a bicyclist, stay behind them until they have safely completed their turn.
If a motorist is turning right and a bicyclist is approaching on the right, let the bicyclist go through the intersection first before making a right turn. Remember to always signal your turns.
Low-speed electric or gas bicycles must have a motor of less than one horsepower and be operated by a person at least 16 years of age.
Low-speed electric and gas bicycles may only be driven on streets where the posted speed limit does not exceed 20 miles per hour. They may not be driven on sidewalks.
Low-speed and electric bicycles must follow all laws applicable to bicyclists.
For more information, go to your local Driver Services Facility or download the Bicycle Rules of the Road booklet.
On most roadways, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users. Bicyclists are prohibited on limited-access highways, expressways and certain other marked roadways.
Following are laws and safety tips you should know:
Bicyclists are required to travel in the same direction as vehicles.
Bicyclists should travel just to the right of faster moving traffic. However, certain hazards, such as rough surfaces, debris, drainage grates or a narrow traffic lane, may require bike riders to move toward the center of the lane.
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist just as they would to another vehicle.
And now some laws ( sorry for redundancey and that it's so long)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑106) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1‑106)*
** *Sec. 1‑106. Bicycle. Every device propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels except scooters and similar devices.*
(Source: P.A. 85‑951.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑132) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1‑132)*
** *Sec. 1‑132. Intersection.*
** *The area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways which join one another at, or approximately at, right angles or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different roadways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.*
** *(b) Where a highway includes two roadways 40 feet or more apart, then every crossing of each roadway of such divided highway by an intersecting highway shall be regarded as a separate intersection.*
** *
The junction of an alley with a street or highway does not constitute an intersection.*(Source: P. A. 77‑321.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑140.10)*
** *Sec. 1‑140.10. Low‑speed electric bicycle. The term "low‑speed electric bicycle" has the same meaning ascribed to it by Section 38 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 2085).*
(Source: P.A. 96‑125, eff. 1‑1‑10.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑140.15)*
** *Sec. 1‑140.15. Low‑speed gas bicycle. A 2 or 3‑wheeled device with fully operable pedals and a gasoline motor of less than one horsepower, whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 miles per hour.*
(Source: P.A. 96‑125, eff. 1‑1‑10.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑145.001) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1‑148)*
** *Sec. 1‑145.001. Motor driven cycle. Every motorcycle and every motor scooter with less than 150 cubic centimeter piston displacement including motorized pedalcycles.*
(Source: P.A. 90‑89, eff. 1‑1‑98.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑146) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1‑146)*
** *Sec. 1‑146. Motor vehicle. Every vehicle which is self‑propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails, except for vehicles moved solely by human power, motorized wheelchairs, low‑speed electric bicycles, and low‑speed gas bicycles. For this Act, motor vehicles are divided into two divisions:*
** *First Division: Those motor vehicles which are designed for the carrying of not more than 10 persons.*
** *Second Division: Those motor vehicles which are designed for carrying more than 10 persons, those motor vehicles designed or used for living quarters, those motor vehicles which are designed for pulling or carrying freight, cargo or implements of husbandry, and those motor vehicles of the First Division remodelled for use and used as motor vehicles of the Second Division.*
(Source: P.A. 96‑125, eff. 1‑1‑10.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑147) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1‑147)*
** *Sec. 1‑147. Motorcycle.*
** *Every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor.*
(Source: P.A. 80‑262.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/1‑148.2) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1‑148.2)*
** *Sec. 1‑148.2. Moped. A moped is a motor‑driven cycle, with or without optional power derived from manually operated pedals, whose speed attainable in one mile is at least 20 mph but not greater than 30 mph, and is equipped with a motor that produces 2 brake horsepower or less. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement shall not exceed 50 cubic centimeter displacement and the power drive system shall not require the operator to shift gears.*
(Source: P.A. 96‑554, eff. 1‑1‑10.)
** *Sec. 11‑1505. Position of bicycles and motorized pedal cycles on roadways ‑ Riding on roadways and bicycle paths.*
** *(a) Any person operating a bicycle or motorized pedal cycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable and safe to the right‑hand curb or edge of the roadway except under the following situations:*
** * * *1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle,
** *
motorized pedal cycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction; or
** * * *2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection
** *
or into a private road or driveway; or
** * * *3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions
** *
including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, motorized pedal cycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right‑hand curb or edge. For purposes of this subsection, a "substandard width lane" means a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle or motorized pedal cycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
** * * *4. When approaching a place where a right turn is
** *
authorized.
** *(b) Any person operating a bicycle or motorized pedal cycle upon a one‑way highway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near the left‑hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable.*
(Source: P.A. 95‑231, eff. 1‑1‑08.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/11‑1505.1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1505.1)*
** *Sec. 11‑1505.1. Persons riding bicycles or motorized pedal cycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than 2 abreast, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for their exclusive use. Persons riding 2 abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane subject to the provisions of Section 11‑1505.*
(Source: P.A. 83‑549.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/11‑1509) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1509)*
** *Sec. 11‑1509. Inspecting bicycles. A uniformed police officer may at any time upon reasonable cause to believe that a bicycle is unsafe or not equipped as required by law, or that its equipment is not in proper adjustment or repair, require the person riding the bicycle to stop and submit the bicycle to an inspection and such test with reference thereto as may be appropriate.*
(Source: P.A. 82‑132.)
** *(625 ILCS 5/11‑1516)*
** *Sec. 11‑1516. Low‑speed bicycles.
** *(a) A person may operate a low‑speed electric bicycle or low‑speed gas bicycle only if the person is at least 16 years of age.
** *(b) A person may not operate a low‑speed electric bicycle or low‑speed gas bicycle at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour upon any highway, street, or roadway.*
** *
A person may not operate a low‑speed electric bicycle or low‑speed gas bicycle on a sidewalk.*** *(d) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the provisions of this Article XV that apply to bicycles also apply to low‑speed electric bicycles and low‑speed gas bicycles.*
(Source: P.A. 96‑125, eff. 1‑1‑10.)
When passing a bicyclist do so slowly and leave at least three feet of passing space.
A motorist should not park or drive in marked bike lanes.
When following bicyclists, give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop quickly. Use extra caution during rainy and icy weather. At night do not use high beams when you see an oncoming bicycle rider.
After parking and before opening vehicle doors, a motorist should first check for bicyclists.
When a motorist is turning left and there is a bicyclist entering the intersection from the opposite direction, the driver should wait for the bicyclist to pass before making the turn. Also, if a motorist is sharing the left turn lane with a bicyclist, stay behind them until they have safely completed their turn.
If a motorist is turning right and a bicyclist is approaching on the right, let the bicyclist go through the intersection first before making a right turn. Remember to always signal your turns.
Low-speed electric or gas bicycles must have a motor of less than one horsepower and be operated by a person at least 16 years of age.
Low-speed electric and gas bicycles may only be driven on streets where the posted speed limit does not exceed 20 miles per hour. They may not be driven on sidewalks.
Low-speed and electric bicycles must follow all laws applicable to bicyclists.
For more information, go to your local Driver Services Facility or download the Bicycle Rules of the Road booklet.
