Senate Bill 2075, which aims to expand access to motorcycle safety training and lower its costs, successfully cleared the state Senate on Wednesday with unanimous support. State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett), who serves as the bill’s Chief Senate Sponsor, celebrated the bipartisan sponsorship and approval of the legislation.

Currently, Illinois has only one official Cycle Rider Safety Training Center located at Southern Illinois University. While some motorcycle dealerships offer limited classes, the legislation introduced by Senator Lewis would standardize training guidelines and expand the number of training centers across Illinois. By doing so, the bill aims to reduce the cost of training and ensure that more riders receive proper safety instruction.

The bill was inspired by input from A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) of Illinois, whose members expressed concern about the lack of accessible and comprehensive training options for motorcyclists. Senator Lewis noted that many riders are either self-taught or receive minimal instruction, which poses risks not only to motorcyclists but to other drivers on the road.

“Motorcycle safety is crucial, and this bill ensures that safety training is more widely available, affordable, and effective,” Lewis said. “By providing more training locations and standardized curriculum, we can help prevent accidents and save lives.”

Key provisions of Senate Bill 2075 include granting the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) the authority to develop training curriculums and accredit courses, as well as determining where training centers should be located. The bill also sets clear requirements for instructor qualifications and certification and establishes a minimum age of 16 for class enrollment.

“With warmer weather arriving, we’ll see more motorcycles on the roads,” Lewis continued. “This bill will make a significant difference in improving overall road safety for both motorcyclists and other drivers. It’s a timely piece of legislation, especially following my recent passage of Senate Resolution 26, which designates April 2025 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Illinois.”

With the bill’s passage in the Senate, SB 2075 now moves to the Illinois House of Representatives for further consideration. If enacted, it will not only enhance motorcycle safety but could also serve as a model for similar safety initiatives across the country.