Bicycles & The Law

Laws pertaining to bicycling written into the Illinois Vehicle Code

There Ought 'a Be a Law! - Well there are -- many laws pertaining to bicycling -- written into the Illinois Vehicle Code.

Did you know, for instance, that Illinois law spells out the two ways you can make a left turn? Or that the law lists the exceptions to the rule that bicyclists must ride as close to the right side as "save and practicable"? LIB has excerpted these and other key laws for bicyclists in a format small enough to fit on a card that can be carried in a wallet. Earlier printings of the cards were partially funded by the SRAM^® Corporation, the makers of Gripshift^®, while the current version was funded by IDOT Traffic Safety. The purpose of this card is for bicyclists' safety. Many bicyclists, motorists and law enforcement officers don't know the traffic law as it pertains to bicyclists. This card will help bicyclists:

1. understand their rights and responsibilities
2. explain the law to motorists who question bicyclists' right to ride on streets and roads
3. resolve minor disputes with law enforcement officials.

Major laws printed on the handy cards include the following: bicyclist's status, lane positioning, left turns, riding two abreast, hand signals, use of sidewalks, lights and other equipment on bicycles, two or more on a bike, parental responsibility, and cars passing bikes.

This card is available for viewing, printing, or downloading using Adobe Acrobat^® format.

Download free Acrobat^® reader software.