New Trio of Laws Aim to Protect Illinois Cyclists

WCBU | By Jim Meadows

Published January 2, 2018 at 6:17 AM CST

The group Ride Illinois campaigned for the new 'red tail light law' that went into effect on January 1, 2018.

Bicyclists in downstate Illinois can now do what those in Chicago and eight other states have done for years. A new state law permits them to put a red tail light on the rear of their bike, instead of, or in addition to the traditional red reflector.

Tania Sebastian with the group Ride Illinois says the new law is recognition of changing technology.

“You know, there are really great bicycle LED taillights that are bright, that offer much greater visibility. A lot of cyclists use those. And now the law makes it legal to have the light in addition or instead of a rear reflector.” Sebastian says.

Ride Illinois campaigned for the red tail light law, as well as two other new bicycling laws that took effect in Illinois January First. One of them allows motorists to pass a bicyclist on the highway in a no-passing zone. And the other recognizes riding a bicycle on a highway shoulder as a legal practice.