The results of the 2024 election will impact efforts to improve biking and walking in communities across Illinois and the country. Advocacy at all levels of government will be key in 2025 and beyond. With this article, we’re offering a brief recap of the election and what the future may hold.
The Biden administration has been very supportive of biking, walking, and other modes of sustainable, active transportation. The current transportation bill – the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) has resulted in unprecedented levels of funding for infrastructure projects across all modes, including biking and walking. This bill remains in effect through 2026. In theory, funding levels should not change drastically, which would be ideal. In addition, the Safe Systems Approach was integrated into USDOT and state DOT’s. We strongly encourage the Trump administration to continue to emphasize the principles of the Safe Systems approach and focus on safety of people moving about outside of motor vehicles.
The level of importance that the first Trump administration gave to biking and walking was recently summed up as “benign neglect” meaning it wasn’t a high priority, but also wasn’t at the bottom of the list. There is real concern that the Trump administration will cut funding for bike/ped projects. A better sense of priorities will become clearer once a new Secretary of Transportation is appointed and confirmed. Leadership from national advocacy organizations, such as League of American Bicyclists, People for Bikes, America Walks, and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy will be very important over the next four years! Illinois residents are encouraged to engage with these meaningful national organizations.
League of American Bicyclists penned this related article: What a Trump Department of Transportation could mean for bicycling and walking.
U.S. Representatives and Senators from Illinois remain unchanged.
The interactive map above was created by 270towin.com and shows the results of the 2024 presidential election.
Ride Illinois’ main focus in terms of advocacy is at the state level. There was no significant change due to the 2024 election in the state senate (40 Democrats and 19 Republicans) or state house (78 Democrats and 40 Republicans). Our intent is to revisit legislative priorities announced earlier this year in the spring 2025 legislative session. The state is certainly not flush with cash which could reorder our priorities.
Decreasing speed limits and the speed at which motor vehicles travel remains a priority. Though traffic fatalities in Illinois have declined slightly in 2024, there are still far too many people dying on Illinois roads. Continued investment in safe infrastructure and influencing motorist behavior is needed to further reduce traffic violence.
Additional priorities may include: an e-bike rebate or incentive program for Illinois residents, maintenance of IDNR trails, e-bike battery standards, and defining out-of-class electric vehicles (OCEVs) and those that do not qualify as an electric bicycle.
Ride Illinois, our lobbyist, and partners are actively meeting to determine appropriate, effective next steps in preparation for the 2025 legislative session in Springfield. Support from Illinois residents for Ride Illinois and other organizations that focus on biking and walking safer will be critical in the near future. Visit rideillinois.org/join-support to support to our work.
Results of the Illinois state Senate (L) and House elections (R) from the Chicago Sun Times and WBEZ
It’s been said that all elections are local and quite a bit can be accomplished at the local level. For that reason, engaged, effective advocates in communities of all sizes across Illinois are of utmost importance. Ride Illinois has been working to develop a network of informed, connected advocates around Illinois.
Below are some tips to get involved in bike advocacy at the local level:
Efforts to improve safety and connectivity can be very rewarding. Don’t forget to find the joy in advocacy!
The next four years may prove challenging when advocating for biking and walking at the national level. But there’s plenty of opportunity at the state and local level, so don’t be deterred. Change takes time, patience, and persistence, so sharpen those skills, make some new connections, and get re-energized for ongoing work to make Illinois better through biking!
Ride Illinois is a trusted resource for advocacy at all levels of government. Share the wins and the frustrations with us, plus request resources and insight by contacting us at [email protected].