Illinois Imposes Unexpected Definition of Cyclist in Latest Legal Mandate for Bicyclists

In a significant move towards promoting cycling and ensuring the safety of cyclists, Illinois has enacted a new law that clarifies the definition of a 'bicycle' under the Illinois Vehicle Code. The law, known as SB 2285, was authored by State Senator Laura Murphy and came into effect on August 31, 2023.

The new law aims to make discussions about infrastructure plans, such as bicycle paths and bike lanes, more straightforward. It no longer requires clarification for e-bikes, as they are now included in the definition of a bicycle. This move is expected to bring consistency statewide, as suburbs debate e-bike rules.

Under the new definition, a bicycle is "every human-powered or low-speed electric vehicle with two or more wheels not less than 12 inches in diameter, designed for the transportation of one or more persons." This expansion includes three or four-wheeled bicycles, such as tricycles, and low-speed e-bikes and tricycles with a top speed of less than 30 mph and no more than 750 watts of power.

Riding e-bikes on roads will continue to be allowed, and riders will still have to follow the rules of the road like any other road user. The new law protects more cyclists by providing clearer definitions and protections in crashes and insurance claims. This should make insurance interactions easier since the term bicycle is now clearly defined.

The new law is part of a global effort to clarify the definition of e-bikes. Another bill, SB2111, is still in the process of becoming a law and would allow cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, further promoting cycling as a viable mode of transportation.

With these changes, commuting via e-bikes and tricycles may become more accessible for some residents, making it an attractive option for those looking for an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to travel. The new law in Illinois excludes mopeds or high-powered e-dirt bikes from the definition of a bicycle, ensuring safety and clarity on the roads.

Illinois Imposes Unexpected Definition of Cyclist in Latest Legal Mandate for Bicyclists