What Is Dennis’s Law in Illinois?

Dennis’s Law clarifies a bicyclist’s right of way under the Illinois Vehicle Code. It ensures that bicycles are legally considered “vehicles,” granting cyclists the same rights as motorists in traffic situations. This change was necessary after a Kane County judge dismissed a case involving Dennis Jurs’s tragic death, highlighting a legal conflict in right-of-way laws.

The Story Behind Dennis’s Law and its Purpose

Dennis’s Law was created in response to the tragic death of Dennis Jurs, a bicyclist from Illinois who was killed in a crash in Kane County in 2015. While riding his bicycle, Dennis was struck by a driver who failed to yield at an intersection. Police cited the driver for a failure to yield.

Still, a Kane County judge dismissed the case, ruling that bicycles were not clearly defined as vehicles under the Illinois Vehicle Code. This judge’s ruling exposed a legal conflict that put bicyclists at risk.

Recognizing the need for change, State Representative Anna Moeller sponsored legislation in the Illinois House to close this legal gap. The bill passed through the Illinois House and the Illinois State Senate with overwhelming support, receiving only one vote against it. In October 2016, Governor Bruce Rauner signed Dennis’s Law into effect.

The new law’s primary goal is to ensure that bicyclists have the same rights as motor vehicles under right-of-way laws. By clarifying that bicycles are legally considered vehicles, Dennis’s Law strengthens protections for cyclists and holds motorists accountable for failing to yield, one of the most common causes of bicycle accidents.

Key Provisions of Dennis’s Law

Dennis’s Law applies to all Illinois bicyclists who use public roads. Under this law, bicyclists have the right of way in the same situations as motor vehicles. This means:

• Drivers must yield to bicyclists at intersections and when making turns.
• Failure to yield to a cyclist can result in traffic citations or liability in court cases.
• Bicyclists have the right to be treated as vehicles under traffic laws.

Unlike non-traffic related cases, Dennis’s Law does not require individuals to file a petition or go through a legal process to invoke their rights. Instead, it automatically grants legal recognition to bicycles as vehicles, ensuring that law enforcement, judges, and jury members apply right-of-way protections to cyclists in court.

The Role of Legal Representation in Dennis’s Law Cases

After a bicycle accident involving a driver’s negligence, a Chicago bicycle accident attorney can help injured cyclists and their family members understand their rights under Dennis’s Law and seek fair compensation.

Whether the case involves a traffic violation, a civil lawsuit, or an insurance claim, legal representation is essential for cyclists seeking justice after a crash. An experienced attorney can:

• Investigate the case by gathering evidence
• Ensure that courts apply Dennis’s Law correctly
• Challenge improper dismissals and outdated interpretations of the Illinois Vehicle Code
• Negotiate with insurance companies

Consult an Experienced Attorney Near You!

At Rosenfield Injury Lawyers, we are committed to protecting the rights of bicyclists and holding negligent motorists accountable under Dennis’s Law.

With decades of experience in Chicago and across Illinois, we have a proven track record of securing fair bicycle accident settlements for injured cyclists and their family members. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront fees – we only get paid if we win your case. Call us at (888) 424-5757 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation. We are located at 225 Wacker Drive, #1660 in Chicago, Illinois 60606.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.