Bicyclists, including riders of most e-bikes, are legal road users with the same rights as drivers. Most bike crashes happen when drivers pass too close, turn across a rider, or open a door. Illinois spells out the rules for each situation.
Know the rule
On most roads, bicyclists (including electric or gas bicycles that don't exceed 20 mph) have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users, including the right of way.
Handbook p. 45 ↗Bicycle rules drivers should know:
- Vehicles may not drive, park, idle or load passengers in bike lanes, even if no bicyclists are present
- Bicyclists may need to ride outside a bike lane; be ready to move around them
- Bicycles are prohibited on controlled-access highways, expressways and other marked roads
- Bicyclists must travel in the same direction as vehicles
- Riders keep just right of faster traffic but may move to the center to avoid hazards
- Two abreast is allowed if traffic isn't impeded; more than two only on bike-only paths
Know the rule
Yield the right of way to a bicyclist just as you would to another vehicle.
Handbook p. 46 ↗Minimum passing space from the edge of your side mirror to a bicyclist. Pass slowly
Handbook p. 46 ↗Know the rule
If you don't have 3 feet of space, wait until you can pass safely. A driver who passes too close and causes a crash may face criminal charges. Crowding or threatening a bicyclist is prohibited.
Handbook p. 46 ↗Driving around bicyclists:
- Following: give plenty of room, be ready to stop, and take extra care in bad weather
- Don't use high beams at night when approaching an oncoming bicyclist
- Turning left with a cyclist coming from the other way: wait for the cyclist to pass
- Sharing a left-turn lane: stay behind until the cyclist completes the turn
- Turning right with a cyclist approaching on your right: let the cyclist go through first
- After parking, check for bicyclists before opening your door; use your right hand
Low-speed electric bicycle
A bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.
Handbook p. 46 ↗Know the rule
Low-speed electric or gas bicycles must have a motor of less than 1 horsepower, must be ridden by someone at least 16, may not exceed 20 mph, and may not be ridden on sidewalks. They must follow all bicycle laws.
Handbook p. 46 ↗Know the rule
Low-speed electric bicycles may use any authorized highway, street or roadway, including bike lanes and bike paths, unless local authorities prohibit them.
Handbook p. 46 ↗Classes of low-speed electric bicycles
| Class | How the motor works |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | Assists only while pedaling; stops at 20 mph |
| Class 2 | Can propel the bike alone; won't engage at 20 mph |
| Class 3 | Only while pedaling; assists up to 28 mph; rider 16+ |
Put it into practice
You're turning right at a corner and a bicyclist is riding up on your right. Let the bicyclist go through the intersection first, then make your turn.