Dupage Policy Journal

Legislation aimed at improving motorcycle safety training in Illinois has been signed into law. State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) sponsored Senate Bill 2075, which received unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly. The new law is intended to make motorcycle safety courses more accessible, affordable, and effective statewide.

“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.”

Previously, Illinois had only one official Cycle Rider Safety Training Center located at Southern Illinois University. This limited many motorcyclists’ access to certified training programs. While some dealerships offered courses, there was no uniform standard for curriculum, cost, or instructor qualifications across the state.

Senate Bill 2075 seeks to address these issues by granting the Illinois Department of Transportation authority to develop standardized curricula and accredit courses. The legislation also expands the number and reach of training centers, establishes clear certification requirements for instructors, and sets a minimum age of 16 for enrollment in training programs.

The law was developed with input from A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) of Illinois. Members of ABATE raised concerns about the lack of formal training opportunities for riders, which led many to rely on self-teaching or informal instruction.

“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 enactment of this law coincides with broader efforts to improve traffic safety throughout Illinois. It follows Senate Resolution 26—also sponsored by Lewis—which declared April 2025 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in the state.

“With this law now on the books, Illinois is leading by example,” Lewis added. “We’re showing that thoughtful, bipartisan action can save lives.”

Lewis was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 24th Senate District in 2023, succeeding Suzy Glowiak.