I know you don't want another kit but they might be able to help you prove your bike is a low speed bicycle. Scince the police officer said you were going 30 mph you fall under the HB1181 law that was passed the same time as the low speed bicycle law. Thats the law they will probably use against you.
summery of they law more or less if you go over 20mph you are classified as a moped which is a motor vehicle. you might not want to get the secretary of state involed because the rules of the road book states under bicycles that low speed bicycles may only be driven on streets where the posted speed limit does not exceed 20 miles per hour.
Westend Bikes --- Could you please post more specific references to the 20 mph posted speed limit you found. I have searched 2 versions, both current, of the IL Rules of the Road and the IL Bicycle Rules of the Road and I'm missing it.
Here is the entire Section from the IL Rules of the Road on Bicyclists:
"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.
• When passing a bicyclist do so slowly and leave at least 3 ft. 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.
For more information, a Bicycle Rules of the Road booklet is available at your
local Driver Services facility or at
The Official Web site for Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.
Although we know it does not apply, this is the short Section on Mopeds:
Motorized pedalcycles, often called mopeds, are low-speed, two-wheeled vehicles.
They can be pedaled like a bicycle or driven like a motorcycle. Mopeds are
intended for limited use on public roadways. Following are some of the laws and
responsibilities of moped drivers:
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must obey all signs, signals and traffic laws and most bicycle laws.
• A moped may not go over 30 mph.
• Moped drivers may carry a passenger only when the moped is made for two
people. Equipment must include a passenger seat and a passenger footrest.
• If a moped is driven at night, it must have a headlight visible from at least 500
ft. A moped also must have a red reflector on the rear visible from at least 100
to 600 ft.
In the online IL Sec. of State's Bicycle Rules of the Road I don't see any reference to motor-assisted bicycles.
It's important to all of us if there is some sort of law or rule that limits motor-assisted bicycles to streets posted 20 mph or less. Other than a school zone(joke), I don't know of any speed limits here under 25 mph; and those are rare.
So please, help me see what you saw,
Thanks
