New for 2018: Cycling Is The "Official" State Exercise Of The State of Illinois

Text of Public Act 100-0383 Designating Cycling as the official State Exercise of the State of Illinois

As of January 1, 2018, Cycling is the official State Exercise of the State of Illinois. This is an actual law in the State of Illinois under the "State Designations Act." This is also the most recent change in the past couple of years to Illinois laws related to bicycling. On January 1, 2017 "Dennis' Law" which went into effect and clarified that a bicycle was a "vehicle" under Illinois law and that bicyclists are absolutely entitled to all of the "rights" of a vehicle. Keating Law Offices represented Dennis Jurs' family in their civil case related to his fatal bike crash and worked with Illinois legislators on the passage of "Dennis' Law." On January 1, 2018 three new bicycle safety laws went into effect. These new laws allow bicyclists to legally use rear lights instead of reflectors, enhance protections under the law from passing vehicles, and allows bicyclists to ride on the shoulder.

This "official designation" does not provide any new protections or rights to bicyclists. However, this official designation does show the strong cycling culture that exists in Illinois and reflects the important role that cycling has playing in Illinois both historically and currently. The designation also serves as a point of reference that Illinois does place a priority and emphasis on bicycling when lobbying for further changes in the laws to protect bicyclists. And on a personal level for all of us bicyclists this official designation honors our passion and is a source of pride.

Keating Law Offices is the premiere personal injury law firm representing victims of bicycle accidents in Illinois. The firm is based in Chicago, Illinois and represents clients throughout Illinois. The firm has a main location in Chicago's Loop near the courthouse and also on Milwaukee Avenue in the West Town community.