Legislation sponsored by State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) to expand and improve motorcycle safety training in Illinois has officially been signed into law. Senate Bill 2075, which passed both chambers of the General Assembly with unanimous bipartisan support, aims to make motorcycle safety courses more accessible, affordable, and effective across the state.
“This new law is a major step forward for road safety in Illinois,” said Lewis. “By expanding access to training centers and creating consistent statewide standards, we’re ensuring that more riders can get the instruction they need to stay safe, and that benefits everyone on the road.”
Until now, Illinois had only one official Cycle Rider Safety Training Center, located at Southern Illinois University, leaving many motorcyclists with limited or no access to certified training. While some dealerships offer courses, there was no consistent statewide standard for curriculum, cost, or instructor qualifications.
Senate Bill 2075 addresses these gaps by:
- Granting the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) authority to develop standardized training curricula and accredit courses
- Expanding the number and geographic reach of training centers
- Establishing clear certification and qualification requirements for instructors
- Setting a minimum age of 16 for training program enrollment
The law was developed in collaboration with A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) of Illinois, whose members raised concerns about the limited availability of formal training. Many riders have previously relied on self-teaching or informal instruction, increasing risk to themselves and others.
“Motorcycle safety can’t be an afterthought. It has to be part of how we prepare people to ride,” said Lewis. “This law creates a system that’s not only more accessible but also built on consistent, high-quality instruction.”
The timing of the law’s enactment aligns with a broader push to enhance traffic safety throughout the state. It follows the passage of Senate Resolution 26, also sponsored by Lewis, which declared April of 2025 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Illinois.
“With this law now on the books, Illinois is leading by example,” Lewis added. “We’re showing that thoughtful, bipartisan action can save lives.”
