2026 Ride Illinois Priorities

AdvocacyEducationAwarenessLegislation – StateLegislation – Federal
Written By Ride Illinois

Again in 2026, Ride Illinois has established several priorities that aim to make it easier and safer for adults and children to ride a bicycle in Illinois. Our Advocacy Committee has worked diligently to identify priorities. Continue reading to learn more. Contact us at info@rideillinois.org with questions or comments about our 2026 priorities.

State Priorities

  • Clearly differentiate between e-bikes and e-motos in the Illinois Vehicle Code and establish consistency across the state regarding micromobility. Ride Illinois has been leading this effort since spring of 2025. Key recommendations are captured on our Micromobility Guidance page.

  • Develop walk, bike, micromobility curriculum for use in Illinois schools

  • Stop Super Speeders. Learn more at familiesforsafestreets.org/stop-super-speeders

  • Reduce speed limits in urban areas to 20 mph or 25 mph

  • Promote the economic and societal benefits of trails and encourage the state to invest in trails around the state

Federal Priorities

  • Preserve funding for walking, biking, and trails in the next 5-year transportation bill. Learn more at keepamericaactive.org.

  • Retain the Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Special Rule in the next 5-year transportation bill

  • Require Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on all new vehicles

Support Nonprofit Bike Advocacy

Each new bill, every education resource, every pedal stroke toward more bike-friendly communities across Illinois are made possible by people like you. Generous contributions fuels our advocacy, education, awareness efforts, and our work to ensure people of all ages and abilities get around their communities (and beyond) by bicycle.

We humbly invite you to make a donation, renew your membership, or join Ride Illinois for the first time. Generous contributions fund our work. Thank you for believing in a safer, healthier, and more connected Illinois!

Support Ride Illinois
Ride Illinois

Ride Illinois is a nonprofit organization with a mission to make Illinois better through biking. Our staff, board, members, and volunteers focus on bicycle advocacy, education, and awareness. Our efforts, programs, and events aim to make riding a bicycle in Illinois safer, more enjoyable, and accessible to all. A bicycle is the perfect vehicle for many everyday trips. When more trips are made by bike, individuals, communities, and the planet benefit!

https://rideillinois.org/
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