Any cyclist who has ridden through the streets of Chicago or even a suburb or smaller town in Illinois knows that intersections are often the most dangerous part of your route. Now, a new bill moving through Springfield could make those intersections safer and more predictable—not just for cyclists, but for drivers, too. In April, the Illinois Senate passed Senate Bill 2111 that would allow cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, giving them the legal ability to proceed without coming to a full stop if the intersection is clear. As Chicago bicycle accident attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand how outdated traffic laws can create confusion, increase risk, and contribute to serious injuries. That’s why we’re encouraged by this move to align Illinois law with how people already ride—and with proven safety data.
Senate Bill 2111 had a lot of support with 48 "yays" to only 4 "nay" votes on the floor of the Illinois Senate. The bills has moved onto the Illinois House of Representatives where it gained traction picking up Representative Kam Buckner as a sponsor and already being assigned to the Transportation: Vehicles and Safety Committee.
What the “Stop as Yield” Bill Means for Illinois Cyclists
Introduced by State Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago), this bill would let bicyclists approach a stop sign, slow down to a reasonable speed, and proceed through the intersection if it’s safe—without needing to come to a complete stop. Cyclists would still be legally required to yield to vehicles and pedestrians who have the right of way.
This kind of legislation, already adopted in other states, has shown a 23% decrease in bicycle crash rates, according to Simmons. It’s a practical, evidence-based change that reflects how cycling really works in urban environments like Chicago.
“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.”
Cyclist Behavior and Legal Responsibility
As any experienced Illinois bicycle injury lawyer will tell you, laws must reflect both safety science and the real-world behavior of road users. Cyclists are more exposed and vulnerable than drivers, and forcing them to come to a full stop at every intersection can actually increase crash risks—especially when drivers don’t anticipate them lingering in the roadway.
By letting cyclists maintain momentum and clear intersections more quickly, this bill could reduce collisions and make streets safer for everyone.
Understanding the Duty of Ordinary Care
Changing this law would essentially be enacting a written law that reflects most cyclists' real world experience. Under Illinois personal injury law, every person, whether on a bike or in a car, must act as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances.That means cyclists must remain alert, yield when necessary, and follow all other applicable traffic laws. The new rule would not give riders a free pass to disregard safety—it simply gives them a legal framework that matches the way most already navigate stop signs responsibly.
As personal injury attorneys in Chicago, we stress this point often: violating your duty of care can hurt your ability to recover damages after a crash. Whether you’re riding in Wicker Park, the Loop, or Lakeview, riding defensively and lawfully protects your rights.
Pushback—and a Reality Check
While the bill has broad support, not all lawmakers are on board. Some, like State Sen. Donald DeWitte (R-West Dundee), worry that drivers won’t understand the change and signage will be insufficient.
But others, even from across the aisle, see the writing on the wall. “Everyone is doing this anyway,” said State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet). And he’s not wrong. Cyclists have been treating stop signs as yield signs for decades—not recklessly, but out of practicality. This bill doesn’t introduce chaos; it legitimizes common sense.
Strong Bipartisan Support in the Illinois Senate
The Senate passed the bill with overwhelming bipartisan support in a 48-4 vote. That level of agreement is rare, especially in today’s political climate, and it signals growing recognition of the importance of bike safety laws and cyclist rights across Illinois.
What This Means for Cyclists—and Drivers—in Chicago
If Senate Bill 2111 becomes law, Illinois will join a growing number of states with “Stop as Yield” rules in place. For riders, it offers legal protection for behavior that already reduces accident risk. For drivers, it creates more predictable interactions with bikes on the road.
At Illinois Bicycle Law, part of our mission as Chicago bicycle injury lawyers is to advocate for laws that make our streets safer. We represent clients throughout Illinois who’ve been injured in bike crashes due to negligent or reckless drivers. Legal clarity and consistency help prevent these injuries before they happen.
If you’ve been injured in a bike crash or have questions about how this new legislation could affect your rights as a cyclist, contact our office today. We offer free consultations and are ready to help you understand your options under Illinois personal injury law.
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