This spring, five northern Illinois forest preserve districts and two park districts will collaborate on a comprehensive bike safety and education initiative. 

The initiative, which will promote responsible riding and public safety, is set to begin in May to coincide with National Bike Month. 

Organizations that have joined the effort are DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will County forest preserve districts and the Naperville and Fox Valley park districts.

“Our goal is to keep everyone safe while enjoying the trails,” said Deputy Police Chief David Barrios Jr. of the Forest Preserve District of Will County. “By working together with other agencies and educating the public, we’re helping ensure that cyclists and other trail users can share these spaces responsibly all season long.”

During bike safety events, participants will receive information on a wide array of safety topics, including speed limits, yielding to other trail users, and understanding e-bike classifications and regulations. 

Two bike safety days will be held in Will County in May: 

• The kickoff event will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 2, at Centennial Trail – Schneider’s Passage in Romeoville. Adam’s Bike Shop in New Lenox will be in attendance to perform bike safety checks. 
• The second event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 17, at Hickory Creek Preserve – Hickory Creek Junction Access in Frankfort Township. 

During the bike safety programs, Forest Preserve police officers will answer questions and provide bicycling safety advice for those who stop by. 

“Safety starts with awareness,” Barrios said. “These events give us a chance to connect with the community, answer questions and make sure everyone understands the rules of the trail – especially as more people head outdoors this spring.”

Forest Preserve police officers also will provide information on e-bike safety in the preserves. The Will County Forest Preserve only allows class one e-bikes that have electric motors lower than 750 watts, have a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour and no throttle. The bikes must have pedals and e-bike riders must be 16 years old or older. 

In addition to the bike safety events, Forest Preserve District of Will County police will perform additional trail patrols to reinforce the Forest Preserve’s rules to make the paths safer. 

The initiative also will include trailside signage to reinforce key safety messages and remind riders of trail regulations. And the collaboration will encourage participating agencies to align bicycle ordinances, enhancing consistency across jurisdictions.