Things are heating up in this session of the Illinois General Assembly as legislators begin to advance a number of bills that would improve walking, biking, and transit in Illinois.
From a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform our regional transit system to bold action for safer streets, this legislative session has the potential to bring about transformational change and help us create healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable communities across the state.
To fully realize this opportunity, we will need grassroots advocates connecting with state legislators to ask for their support for the bills we all care about.
The next couple of months will be chock full of moments we’ll need to mobilize and raise our voices for better walking, biking, and transit.
That means submitting witness slips for committee hearings, making calls, sending emails, meeting with legislators, and rallying friends and family to join you in taking action.
Here is an overview of legislation we are working on in 2025. We will keep you posted on opportunities to actively support these bills. (Get emails about the latest legislative news surrounding walking, biking, and transit in Illinois.)
You can get started right away by reaching out to your State Senator or State Representative and asking them to co-sponsor our legislative priorities.
TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT POLICY
- Clean & Equitable Transportation Act, HB3778 (Delgado) and SB2486 (Villivalam)
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Illinois and is the only sector with growing emissions. Two-thirds of Illinois residents are breathing unhealthy air and the communities most impacted also lack reliable, clean, sustainable transportation options. This package of comprehensive transportation bills together provides Illinoisans clean, affordable, and equitable transportation.
- $1.5 billion to support world-class public transit and needed system improvements in Northwestern Illinois, HB1833 (Delgado) and SB5 (Villivalam, Aquino)
The Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act implements long overdue transit funding, service, and governance reforms to establish a unified regional agency capable of delivering the safe, reliable, and frequent transit system riders deserve. Stay tuned for more information on funding advocacy and bill numbers.
- Increase Transportation Choices by Aligning Projects and Funding with Urgent GHG Reduction Goals, HB2629 (Canty) and SB1680 (Aquino)
Our outdated transportation system creates sprawl and congestion, pollutes our communities, and makes car ownership the second largest monthly expense for families. The Transportation Choices Ace establishes targets to reduce emissions from the transportation sector to be 100% carbon-free by 2050 and aligns state spending to support clean and equitable transportation.
ROAD SAFETY FOR PEOPLE WALKING AND BIKING
- Set a Lower Speed Limit to Save Lives, HB2934 (Hirschauer, Buckner) and SB2070 (Porfirio)
Lowers the default speed limit to 25 (from 30) mph within an urban district, 20 on residential streets, and 10 in alleys. The neuroscience and physics are clear: the faster a driver travels, the slower their reaction time and the greater the impact upon collision. In collisions at 30 miles per hour, our current speed limit, about 40% of pedestrians will not survive, and for older pedestrians and people with disabilities, the odds are significantly worse. Reducing the posted speed limit also unlocks a variety of design tools that can further increase safety and quality of life along the corridor.
- Recognize Bicyclists as Permitted & Intended Users of Roads, HB2454 (Hirschauer, Buckner, LaPointe)
Provides that a person operating a bicycle is deemed an intended user of every roadway and portion of roadway on which bicyclists are permitted to ride. This change would give people biking the same legal protections already available to others using the road. Illinois is the only state without this protection.
- Educate Drivers About Sharing the Road with Bicyclists and Pedestrians, HB2983 (Vella)
Requires the Secretary of State to include information advising drivers of the laws and best practices for safely sharing the roadway with bicyclists and pedestrians in the Illinois Rules of the Road Publication and in all driver education courses.
- Improve Cyclist Safety by Allowing the Safety Stop, HB1875 (Yang-Rohr) and SB2111 (Simmons)
Allows bicyclists to treat a stop sign as a yield sign assuming traffic hazards have been assessed by the cyclists and it is safe to proceed. People biking must still yield the right of way to pedestrians and to other roadway users who arrive first at stop signs. This is a past due update to the rules of road to support the safety of bicyclists and is a proven way to reduce crashes in intersections.
GROW CYCLING AS A SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION OPTION
- Create an Electric Bike Rebate Program, SB1521 (Guzman)
Allow for a person to apply for a rebate in specified amounts following the purchase of an electric bicycle in Illinois. By providing access to an easier and more enjoyable way to get around, e-bikes can facilitate mode shift, or utilization of forms of transportation other than a motor vehicle. Across Illinois, 53% of all vehicle trips are 5 miles or less, perfect for cycling.
- Create a Transit to Trails Program, SB1791 (Ellman, Villivalam)
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program through which the Secretary shall award grants annually to eligible entities for projects that facilitate travel by public transportation to public outdoor recreation sites for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, boating, picnicking, hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, or other nature-based activities.
- Expand Bicycle Definition to Help Seniors & People with Disabilities Maintain Mobility, HB3225 (Jimenez) and SB2285 (Simmons)
Redefines bicycle as every human-powered or low-speed electric vehicle with 2 or more wheels not less than 12 inches in diameter, designed for transport of one or more persons. This would include adult tricycles and adaptive bikes to make cycling as inclusive as possible for people of all ages and abilities.
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