For many years, the League of Illinois Bicyclists (LIB) annually offered a two-month ”National Bicycle Month” license plate. However, on July 5, 2010, the Governor signed a bill enabling a permanent, year-round “Share the Road” plate. Over the coming months, LIB will work with the Secretary of State to design and offer these plates to the public.
In this action, Illinois has joined at least 12 other states with year-round “Share the Road” license plates. The design itself will deliver the message, with a share the road sign and the text “Same Rights, Same Rules”. This informs motorists that bicyclists have a legal right to be on the road, while informing cyclists that they must follow all the same traffic laws and rules.
Our thanks go to LIB, Governor Quinn and the chief bill sponsors, State Sen. Michael Bond and State Rep. Joe Lyons. LIB will soon meet with the Secretary of State to begin the process of designing the plates and offering them to the public.
Interested in a year-round Share the Road plate when they become available? Go to the LIB website, and add your name to the “interested” list. www.bikelib.org
“Share the Road” resolution was passed. State Representative Elaine Nekritz sponsored an LIB-written resolution strongly encouraging better outreach and education of motorists and bicyclists on sharing the road, by local governments, state agencies, and school physical education and driver education programs LATEST STATUS (Mar 18, 2010): On Feb. 24, HR871 passed the House Vehicles & Safety Committee by a vote of 7-0, with LIB testifying in support. On March 17, the resolution was passed by the full House.
Anti-Harassment Bill was signed into law.. State Senator Ira Silverstein introduced a bill establishing penalties for motorists driving recklessly and unnecessarily close to, toward, or near a bicyclist. Depending on whether serious injuries result, it is either a Class A misdemeanor or Class 4 felony. The original bill text would have made the throwing objects at cyclists a Class A misdemeanor, but that provision was removed in Senate committee. LATEST STATUS (July 5, 2010): SB2951 was signed into law by Gov. Quinn at a July 5 ceremony. Earlier, the bill was approved by the House on April 21 by a vote of 93-20-1 and by the Senate 55-0-2 on March 18. Rep. Sente was the chief House sponsor for the bill, with 21 co-sponsors.