VEH CD-BICYCLE SAFETY

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that it is unlawful for any person under the age of 16 to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle on a highway, multipurpose public path, or other public right-of-way unless at all times when the person is so-engaged he or she wears a protective bicycle helmet of good fit fastened securely upon the head with the straps of the helmet. Provides that it is unlawful for any person to be a passenger on a bicycle on a highway, multipurpose public path, or other public right-of-way unless, with respect to any person who weighs fewer than 40 pounds or is less than 40 inches in height, the person can be and is properly seated in and adequately secured to a bicycle safety seat. Provides that it is a civil offense for any parent or legal guardian of a person below the age of 12 to permit the person to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle in an unlawful manner. Provides that it is unlawful to rent or lease any bicycle to or for the use of any person under the age of 16 on a highway, multipurpose public path, or other public right-of-way unless certain conditions are met. Provides that in no event shall failure to wear a protective bicycle helmet or to secure a passenger to a restraining seat be admissible as evidence in a trial of any civil action. Provides that a law enforcement officer observing any violation of this amendatory Act shall issue a warning to the person for the first offense and a citation to the person for the second or subsequent offense, but shall not arrest or take into custody any person solely for a violation of this amendatory Act. Effective immediately.