Rock Island County, IL Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Right-hand rule
- Ride as close to right side as possible
- Group limit
- No more than two abreast on trails
- Governing section
- § 92.03(E), Rock Island County Code
- Passengers
- Only on an attached bicycle seat
- Fine range
- $25 to $200 per offense
Summary
On District forest preserve trails, Rock Island County bans riding a bicycle on any path posted against bikes or reserved for horses, requires cyclists to hug the right-hand side, bars carrying a passenger off a proper seat, and limits group riding to two abreast on trails or single file on shared roadways, under § 92.03(E).
No person shall upon or in connection with any property of the District: ... (E)(1) Ride a bicycle on any path, trail, roadway, or other area designated and posted prohibiting bicycles or on any path, trail, or area designated and posted as being a horse or equestrian trail or area by the District; (2) Fail to ride a bicycle as closely as possible to the right-hand side of any road, trail, or path as conditions shall permit; (3) Carry another on the handlebars, frame, fender, or so ride on a bicycle except on a suitable seat attached to such bicycle for such purpose, or to operate a bicycle in such a manner as to be reckless or to endanger pedestrians; and/or (4) Ride a bicycle on any path or trail more than two abreast or on any roadway or road used by the public for regular motor vehicle access in any other manner than single file.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-1: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2024-12-A, passed 12-17-2024; and State legislation current through 2024 Illinois Legislative Service, Pamphlet #6).
Full Breakdown
03 of the Forest Preserve District subchapter regulates sports and games on District-owned land, and clause (E) sets four specific bicycle rules. A cyclist may not use any path, trail, roadway, or area the District has posted as closed to bicycles, or any trail posted for horse or equestrian use only. Riders must keep as close to the right-hand side of any road, trail, or path as conditions allow. No one may carry a passenger on the handlebars, frame, or fender, or ride in any way that's reckless or endangers pedestrians; passengers are allowed only on a seat built onto the bicycle for that purpose.
Group riding is capped at two abreast on a path or trail, and cyclists on any roadway open to regular motor vehicle traffic must ride single file. 06. The rules apply only within District forest preserve property, not on county road shoulders or municipal bike lanes elsewhere in Rock Island County.
Violations & Fines
Violating any of the § 92.03(E) bicycle rules on District forest preserve land is a Chapter 92 offense under § 92.99, fined $25 to $200 per violation, with restitution possible if the riding caused property damage; rangers and sworn peace officers can stop a rider and issue a citation on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cyclists ride side by side on Rock Island County forest preserve trails?
Are bikes allowed on horse trails in the county's forest preserves?
Is it illegal to carry a passenger on your bike handlebars in a forest preserve?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rock Island County
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