State Senator Seth Lewis | Illinois General Assembly
State Senator Seth Lewis | Illinois General Assembly
Senate Bill 2075, proposed to improve motorcycle safety training accessibility and reduce costs, has passed the state Senate with unanimous support. The bill, championed by State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett), aims to standardize training and expand the number of centers statewide.
Currently, official training in Illinois is limited to the Cycle Rider Safety Training Center at Southern Illinois University, with few classes offered by motorcycle dealerships. Senator Lewis's legislation seeks to address these limitations by establishing standardized training guidelines and increasing the number of training centers. The goal is to make safety training more affordable and accessible.
The inspiration behind the bill came from A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) of Illinois, a group concerned about the limited training options available for motorcyclists. Senator Lewis noted that inadequate instruction raises risks for both motorcyclists and other road users.
"Motorcycle safety is crucial, and this bill ensures that safety training is more widely available, affordable, and effective," Lewis stated. "By providing more training locations and standardized curriculum, we can help prevent accidents and save lives."
The bill allows the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to develop training programs, accredit courses, and determine center locations. Additionally, it sets minimum requirements for instructor qualifications and class enrollment, which starts at age 16.
"With warmer weather arriving, we’ll see more motorcycles on the roads," Lewis added. "This bill will make a significant difference in improving overall road safety for both motorcyclists and other drivers." He also mentioned that this legislation is timely following his recent designation of April 2025 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Illinois through Senate Resolution 26.
Following the Senate approval, SB 2075 will be reviewed by the Illinois House of Representatives. If enacted, it could serve as a model for similar initiatives nationwide.
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