Bicycling is one of the most popular outdoor sports for people of all ages. While it is an enjoyable way to get fit and have fun, it’s important to be equipped with bicycle safety “street smarts” to travel safely and follow the rules of the road for bicyclists.

Illinois requires cyclists to abide by a number of bicycle laws:

• Ride as close to the right-hand side of the road or path as possible except when preparing to turn left, avoiding a fixed or moving object, approaching a place where a right turn is authorized, or riding on a one-way highway with two or more marked traffic lanes (when bicyclists may ride near the left-hand curb).
• Choose between a vehicular-style left turn or pedestrian-style left turn. For the vehicular style, move into the left lane prior to the intersection; for the pedestrian turn, cross the road or street, stop, yield to traffic and proceed in the new direction while obeying the traffic signal. Bicyclist must obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Riding two-abreast is permitted; riding more than two-abreast is not allowed unless it’s on a designated bicycle path or road.
• Hand signals (left, right and stop) should be given using the left arm, with the signal being given not less than the last 100 feet before the turn. Signals don’t have to be given if both hands are needed to control the bike.
• Bicyclists may ride on the sidewalk unless prohibited by a local ordinance. They must yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them.
• At night, bikes must be equipped with a white light in front visible from at least 500 feet of the front and a red reflector on the rear visible from 100 to 600 feet. A white light in addition to the red rear light may be used. New bikes must have pedal reflectors and side reflectors. 
• Bikes cannot be used to carry more persons than it was designed to carry. An adult may carry a child if the child is securely attached to his person.
• A motor vehicle passing a bike must leave no less than three feet between the vehicle and the rider.  
• Similar to drivers, bikers who approach a school bus with flashing lights and a “STOP” swing-arm out, must come to a full stop.

Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.