SPRINGFIELD – An avid cyclist himself and supporter of bike riders, State Senator Mike Simmons passed two bills through the Senate that would remove current prohibitions on bicyclists in Illinois.

“Current rules prevent cyclists from doing what is safe in favor of what is required by law,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “We want to remove and clear up language surrounding bike riders to give all travelers better and safer options when cycling.”

Under the new legislation, Senate Bill 2111, bicyclists would be able to treat stop signs as yield signs only when it is safe to proceed if they give a signal, slow to a reasonable speed and yield to the right of way. This would not apply to railroad crossings or youth under age 18.

With this legislation, bicyclists across Illinois would have more options to react safely at intersections. It would also promote efficiency during travel so cyclists can arrive at their destination safely.

Simmons also passed Senate Bill 2285, which expands the definition of bicycles to include low-speed electric bikes as well as any human-powered device.

“This is a simple fix to the rules that will allow for more people to bike together and bike safely around Chicago,” Simmons said. “As someone who bikes everywhere, I can say with certainty this will be beneficial to all bike riders in the state.”

Senate Bill 2111 and Senate Bill 2285 passed the Senate on Thursday.

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