The long-awaited moment has arrived! After years of dedicated advocacy and collaboration, communities across Illinois soon will have the power to design intersections that are safer for people walking and biking.
The governor has officially signed the bill, which will become law on Jan. 1, 2026.
A SAFER FUTURE FOR ALL
For too long, oversized intersections designed to accommodate massive 65-foot trucks have created hazardous conditions for people walking and biking.
These intersections often lack critical safety features like pedestrian islands, curb extensions, and protected bike lanes.
The result? Dangerous crossings, faster vehicle speeds, and longer crossing distances for people to navigate — especially challenging for children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities.
With this new law in place, local communities can finally reimagine their streets. By tailoring intersection designs to local needs rather than rigid truck-turning requirements, we can create spaces that are not only safer but also more welcoming for everyone.
KEY SAFETY BENEFITS
Here’s how this law will transform our streets:
- Life-saving infrastructure: Communities can now incorporate proven safety features like pedestrian islands and protected bike lanes.
- Shorter crossings: Narrower intersections mean reduced crossing distances, making it easier and safer for people to navigate streets.
- Calmer traffic: Streets designed with people in mind encourage slower driving speeds, creating a more inviting environment for all.
SMARTER TRUCK MANAGEMENT
The law also includes a critical provision requiring communities to report truck-restricted areas.
This data will feed into a state-mandated GPS system for truckers, ensuring that large vehicles avoid streets where they pose the greatest risk to people walking and biking. This smart approach balances the needs of freight movement with public safety.
A SHARED ACHIEVEMENT
This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the relentless efforts of advocates, community members, and policymakers.
To everyone who responded to action alerts and supported this cause — thank you! Your voices were instrumental in making this vision a reality.
As we look ahead to January 2026, let’s celebrate this hard-earned victory while continuing to work together to ensure every street in Illinois is safe for all who use it.