SPRINGFIELD – In recognition of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month, State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) is proud to announce the passage of HB2980, a bill she sponsored to modernize and expand Illinois’ motorcycle safety education system.
“Every Illinoisan should be able to access high-quality motorcycle safety training no matter where they live,” said Sanalitro. “This bill strengthens our approach by improving access, accountability, and safety for riders statewide.”
HB2980 makes a series of targeted reforms to the Cycle Rider Safety Training Program. These changes include:
- Clarifying the definition of “cycle” by removing mopeds and motor-driven cycles from the category, aligning state law with modern transportation standards.
- Formally defining Cycle Rider Safety Training Course Providers to include a broader range of potential partners, such as for-profit or nonprofit organizations, community colleges, community groups, and state universities.
- Requiring IDOT to publicly solicit applications from qualified course providers across Illinois to ensure more residents can access local training opportunities.
Under the bill, motorcycle safety courses would be open to any Illinois resident age 16 or older who holds a valid driver’s license. Providers can charge a small registration fee, which must be refunded upon successful completion of the course—making safety training more affordable and accessible for everyone.
To qualify, course providers must submit proposals outlining key details such as location, expected student enrollment, use of motorcycles or IDOT equipment, and per-student training costs. Contracts will be awarded based on need, cost-effectiveness, and the provider’s ability to deliver high-quality instruction.
Additionally, HB2980 includes important worker protections, including a provision that prohibits providers from imposing restrictions on an employee’s dress outside scheduled work hours. It also establishes safeguards to prevent conflicts of interest, barring motorcycle dealerships and sellers from becoming course providers.
“This legislation reflects thoughtful collaboration with stakeholders like ABATE and has earned IDOT’s neutral position,” Sanalitro added. “It’s a smart, responsible way to improve rider safety and use taxpayer dollars efficiently.”
HB2980 is currently advancing through the General Assembly, and Sanalitro is urging bipartisan support for its final passage.
“Whether you’re a rider or just sharing the road, motorcycle safety affects us all,” said Sanalitro. “Let’s work together to protect lives and expand access to lifesaving education.”
For more information, please contact State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro’s district office at 630-349-0645.
State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro is the State Representative for House District 48, which includes the communities of Addison, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Itasca, Medinah, Roselle, Schaumburg, and Wood Dale in suburban DuPage and Cook counties.