New Illinois laws aim to make streets safer for bikers, pedestrians

Biking and walking fared better than metropolitan transit in this spring’s Illinois General Assembly. Four biking-related bills, plus a pedestrian-focused bill with implications for bikers, await Gov. Pritzker’s signature.

The Micromobility Fire Safety Act (SB2247) will keep e-bike and e-scooter riders safer, especially anyone living above a bike shop. Let me explain.

Whether manufactured, sold, or leased/rented in Illinois, SB2247 requires electrical systems and batteries of these mobility devices meet safety standards certified by an accredited lab. It also prohibits assembling/reconditioning rechargeable lithium-ion batteries from used ones. Components meeting standards are less likely to spark fires in garages, repair shops, or elsewhere. Lombard shop owners Brian Kalbfleisch and Amy Minster know this firsthand.

In 2022, they lost everything inside Retro Glow Cycles when an e-bike battery exploded, catching fire after midnight. Residents above the shop alerted the fire department. Fortunately, no one died. Having launched their business during the pandemic, however, they had to start over.

Kalbfleisch said their shop repairs bikes and refurbishes used ones for resale, does not deal with e-bikes any more.

“Our insurance won’t cover e-bikes,” he said. “The landlord doesn’t want them.”

Kalbfleisch views SB2247 as pro-safety. “It’s shocking to learn some batteries are not UL-certified.” He alerts Internet purchasers about noncertified batteries, risks they don’t necessarily consider.

Trikes are bikes

DeKalb technical writer Caroline Skaret enjoys her “tadpole,” a ground-hugging trike sporting two wheels up front, purchased after a severe injury resulted in balance issues. With passage of SB2285, she and other adaptive bikers will appreciate the same privileges and responsibilities like all Illinois two-wheelers.

Sponsored by State Sen. Mike Simmons of Chicago, with several cosponsoring suburban representatives, SB2285 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to include every human-powered device and low-speed electric bicycle with two or more wheels not less than 12 inches in diameter and with operable pedals.

In early May, Skaret met several state lawmakers in Springfield on Illinois Bike & Walk Summit’s Lobby Day about this bill, which “legitimizes what I’m doing by riding. Without it, I’m not necessarily protected by the same laws.”

Transportation bill HB2983, affecting multiple statutes, requires the Illinois Rules of the Road and all driver education courses to contain information advising motorists about laws and best practices for safely sharing roadways with non-motorists.

As originally introduced, the bill restricted motor vehicles on bicycle lanes, trails or paths with signs designating biker/pedestrian usage only, a provision later deleted. The final bill requires motorists to shift into another available lane before overtaking or passing a bicycle or individual. It also provides that official traffic control signals specifically dedicated for bicyclists take precedence over others.

Fatal crash studies

With implications for pedestrians and bikers alike, SB1559 requires the Illinois Department of Transportation conduct a traffic study after fatal pedestrian crashes at state highway intersections. As part of the study, IDOT shall identify issues associated with serious injuries or fatalities of both pedestrians and bicyclists.

Noting SB1559’s importance for bikers, Dave Simmons, Ride Illinois executive director, said, “A high percentage of crashes occur at intersections. By requiring a traffic study after a fatal crash involving a pedestrian, infrastructure design improvements will be recommended. Also, IDOT will identify solutions to increase safety for nonmotorized users throughout the state.”

State Rep. Martin Moylan (Des Plaines) sponsored HB2675, amending the Illinois Vehicle Code to include official traffic control devices or signs for warning both motorists and trail users about roadway trail crossings. It also allows trail maintenance authorities to alert users about hazards using cones, barricades and painted markings, not just signs.

Legislation not passing this session included: HB2454, recognizing bicyclists as both intended and permitted users of Illinois roadways; HB2934, reducing the default speed limit to 20 mph within urban districts and 10 mph in urban alleys; SB1521, establishing an Illinois e-bike rebate program.

Safe travel for all

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning announced on June 5 the adoption of countywide safety action plans for Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties. These aim to improve traffic safety by reducing the risk of death and serious injury on regional roadways, particularly for walkers and bikers, and for communities with disproportionately high crash rates.

Working in partnership with Metra, IDOT and counties, CMAP received a $4 million grant in 2022 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Safe Streets and Roads for All” five-year program. CMAP’s Safe Travel for All project page contains county plan links.

50th anniversary

The Bike Rack in St. Charles hosted an evening open house May 17 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. St. Charles Mayor Cliff Hull and Joshua Luce, Trek Territory manager, joined the celebration to congratulate owner Hal Honeyman on this business milestone.

From 900 square feet in a strip mall, this family-owned enterprise first acquired a going-out-of-business camping store and then expanded way beyond selling bikes.

Honeyman’s interest in “adaptive cycling” for individuals with disabilities was inspired by a desire for his son, born with cerebral palsy, to join family bicycle outings. Spurred by Jacob’s needs, Honeyman founded Creative Mobility in 1997, a business within his shop where mechanics assemble, maintain and adjust adaptive bikes and related equipment.

In 2004, Honeyman originated Project Mobility, a nonprofit supporting hundreds of adaptive biking activities, workshops and other services nationally and overseas. Children, adults, and veterans with disabilities experience the freedom of mobility through adaptive biking.

“When we bought The Bike Rack, we never imagined the journey ahead,” Honeyman said. “Our family business has become a community hub that creates mobility opportunities for everyone.”

• Join the ride. Contact Ralph Banasiak at alongfortheridemail@gmail.com.