We’re making progress in our campaign to get new 3 feet passing state law signs placed on popular cyclist routes. Signs have been installed in Wayne Township, Bartlett, Lake County, and will be installed in Highland Park this coming spring.

Earlier this year, we wrote about how Ride Illinois has been working with the Illinois Department of Transportation and other agencies to adopt better signs that educate all road users about the 3 feet passing law and provide clarity on how to “share the road.” The law, written and lobbied for by Ride Illinois, addresses a major safety concern for cyclists: drivers “squeezing by” as oncoming traffic approaches.

Wayne Township: This summer, Wayne Township became the first agency in Illinois to install signs that read: STATE LAW – 3 FEET MIN TO PASS BICYCLES. The signs were installed on Smith Road and Powis Road, both popular bicycle routes in the area. Read more here.

Bartlett: The Village of Bartlett has installed signs on northbound and southbound Munger Road north of Army Trail Road.

Lake County:  Signs were recently installed on St. Mary’s Road in Mettawa and Libertyville, a very popular bicycle route on a 40mph, higher traffic road. STATE LAW – 3 FEET MIN TO PASS BICYCLES  signs were installed northbound near IL 176 and southbound near IL 60, replacing existing Share the Road signs. The Lake County Department of Transportation is evaluating whether to replace Share the Road signs in other locations as well.

Highland Park: This spring, Highland Park will be installing dozens of STATE LAW – 3 FEET MIN TO PASS BICYCLES on popular routes including Ridge Rd., Old Elm Rd., St. John’s Ave., and several others. This effort will be funded by a federal grant (with 20% Highland Park match) that will also add intersection and sharrow markings.  Ride Illinois’ past partnership with Highland Park’s police department helped gain their preference for 3 feet law signs over the Share the Road signs that were originally planned. Highland Park’s Public Works was also convinced when they learned of IDOT’s approval of our recommended signs.

We are advocating for signs in several other communities throughout the state, often with input from local bicycle clubs. We invite cyclists to help us identify problem roads and locations where better signs are needed, and contact us through our online Make Biking Better form.

Please consider making a donation and help us expand our efforts to get 3-foot min passing signs installed on all popular cyclist routes.