IL Democratic plan could allow cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill by a state Democrat would allow bikes to treat stop signs as yield signs.

A cyclist could pass through the stop sign without putting on the breaks if they slow to a reasonable speed and yield to oncoming traffic. State Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) said states that already do this see a 23% drop in crash rates.

"A vote for this legislation is a vote for safety," Simmons said. "Not just for those that own bikes, but for those that are driving cars that need a bit more predictability when they're trying to get to point A to point B."

Some Republican lawmakers oppose the plan. They say even though cyclists will know to yield at stop signs, most Illinois drivers would have no idea of the new law.

"I don't think putting this in the new rules for the roadbook is going to make a difference," state Sen. Donald DeWitte (R-West Dundee) said. "I'm not sure how you're going to put signage on every intersection that cyclists will be rolling through."

This wasn't a view shared by all GOP members.

"I will see your bicycles and raise you cars," state Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) said. "Everyone is doing this anyway, and with absolutely zero disrespect to any of my colleagues who all have wonderful positions and points, this is what is happening in reality."

This bill passed out of the Illinois Senate with a bipartisan 48-4 vote.

Another bicycle plan led by Simmons also passed out of the Senate. It would expand the definition of what is considered a bike. It includes either an electric or human powered vehicle with two or more wheels that are no shorter than 12 inches in diameter, have pedals, and a seat for one or more people.

Both of these proposals now head to the House, where lawmakers could talk about them in the coming weeks.