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Peoria, IL Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Group riding limit
No more than two abreast on roadway
Lane rule
Single lane required per Illinois Vehicle Code
Sidewalk riding
Banned in Central Business District
Obstructive parking
Must leave least obstruction to pedestrians
Penalty range
$10 to $50+ fine or tag revocation

Summary

Peoria bans riding bicycles more than two abreast on any roadway except on a path or lane set aside for bicycles' exclusive use, and cyclists riding two abreast must still stay within a single lane and not impede traffic under City Code Sec. 28-500, which cross-references the Illinois Vehicle Code's lane-position rule.

Persons riding bicycles or motorized pedal cycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for their exclusive use. Persons riding two abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane subject to the provisions of section 11-1505 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1505).

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 119).

Full Breakdown

City Code Chapter 28, Article IX governs bicycle operation on Peoria streets. Sec. 28-500 caps group riding at two abreast on a roadway, except where a path or part of the roadway is set aside for bicycles' exclusive use, meaning a genuine bike lane; even then, riders staying two abreast may not impede normal traffic and must keep to a single lane per Section 11-1505 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1505). Sec. 28-501 bars riding with both hands off the handlebars or feet off the pedals, acrobatic or fancy riding, and any race or speed contest on a public street unless the superintendent of police has issued a permit and is supervising.

Sec. 28-502 separately makes it unlawful to ride in a manner dangerous to persons or property. Sec. 28-503 forbids riding on a sidewalk inside the Central Business District, or on any sidewalk or roadway posted against bicycles under Sec. 28-505, which lets the city traffic engineer erect no-bicycle signs. Sec. 28-504 covers obstruction directly: a parked bicycle must sit against the curb on the roadway, in a sidewalk rack, or against a building at the curb, in whatever manner leaves the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic. Riders must also register their bicycles under Sec. 28-489 unless the bike's tires are 20 inches or smaller (sidewalk bikes, scooter bikes, junior bikes).

Violations & Fines

Sec. 28-506 sets the penalty schedule: a conviction under Sec. 28-499 (speed), Sec. 28-502 (dangerous riding), or the equipment/traffic-law sections 28-496 and 28-497 draws a fine of at least $50.00, capped at the general Sec. 1-5 maximum. Every other bicycle-article violation, including obstructive parking under Sec. 28-504 and the two-abreast/lane rule under Sec. 28-500, is punishable by a fine of up to $10.00 or revocation of the bicycle's license tag for up to six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride two abreast on a Peoria street?
Only where a path or part of the roadway is set aside for bicycles' exclusive use. On an ordinary lane, City Code Sec. 28-500 requires riders to stay within a single lane and not block normal traffic flow, referencing Section 11-1505 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
Where can't I ride my bike on the sidewalk?
Sec. 28-503 prohibits sidewalk riding anywhere inside the Central Business District, and Sec. 28-505 lets the city traffic engineer post additional no-bicycle signs on any sidewalk or roadway; ignoring a posted sign is itself a separate violation.
How much is the fine for improperly parking or blocking a sidewalk with a bicycle?
Obstructive bicycle parking under Sec. 28-504 falls under the article's general penalty in Sec. 28-506: a fine of up to $10.00, or the police may revoke the rider's bicycle license tag for as long as six months.
Do I need to register my bicycle before riding it in Peoria?
Yes, under Sec. 28-489 anyone riding a bicycle on a Peoria street or public way must first register it and display the required license tag, though sidewalk bikes, scooter bikes, junior bikes, and any bicycle with tires of 20 inches or less are exempt from that registration requirement.

Sources & Official References

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