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Greetings
Hello {{First Name}},
It's the season of gratitude and we’re thankful for everyone who makes Ride Illinois' work possible. This month’s newsletter is packed with inspiring updates, ways to get involved, and stories that celebrate our growing community.
As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, we'll take a moment to express our sincere appreciation for your support - whether through membership, donations, or simply staying up-to-date on our work, we’re extremely grateful. Generous contributions fuel everything we do!
Ride Illinois earned a 2025 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency – the third year in a row we've received this distinct recognition 👏👏👏
Ride Illinois shares financial information with Candid so current and future members know that their donations are used wisely and ethically. You're encouraged to visit our Candid profile to learn more.
Legislation & Policy
The Latest from Springfield
Ride Illinois continues to work diligently with our lobbyist and partners to advocate for bike-friendly legislation in Springfield 🤝
Clearly distinguishing between legal classes of e-bikes and e-motos in the Vehicle Code remain a top priority. Discussions are ongoing as the deadline to submit bills for the spring legislature approaches.
Additional priorities include: enhanced bike/walk education in schools, recognizing bicyclists as permitted and intended users of Illinois roads, and reining in superspeeders. Also, initial discussions about the benefits of a Trail Caucus in the Illinois legislature are underway.
👉 Stay tuned to Ride Illinois for updates.
Next Federal Surface Transportation Bill
The chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. Sam Graves, recently shared the alarming quote above about the future of funding for bike/ped infrastructure projects across the country.
If Rep. Graves has his way, that could mean zero federal funding for bicycling and walking through 2031. Contact your Member of Congress to emphatically state that this is unacceptable.
Thinking about purchasing an e-bike or e-moto this holiday season? Join Ride Illinois for a timely and informative webinar that breaks down what you need to know before you buy. Our panel of experts will cover the differences between e-bikes and e-motos, key safety considerations, and the patchwork of local ordinances shaping how they’re used in Illinois.
We’ll also discuss why state-level legislation is needed and what’s on the horizon. Bring your questions for a live Q&A. Stick around to learn about resources, plus ways to support Ride Illinois' work.
Video: This is Why Cycling is Dangerous in America
The YouTube channel, Not Just Bikes, recently shared a very insightful video that explores the history of cycling in the United States, contrasting it with Dutch practices. The video examines the influential, yet controversial, "vehicular cycling" philosophy and its impact on investment and development of safe, separated infrastructure in communities across the country. It's worth the watch! Pro tip: set the playback speed to 1.25 or 1.5 if you're strapped for time.
Environment & Awareness
Get to Know: Trails of the Grand Prairie
Trails of the Grand Prairie is part of a broad coalition of nonprofits and government agencies working together to link and create an expansive rail trail network in Central and East Central Illinois.
They believe in the development of trails and their positive environmental, economic, health, and quality of life impacts. A key project is the development of the Kickapoo Rail Trail. When completed, the KRT will be a 24.5 mile recreational trail with segments in Champaign and Vermilion Counties in East Central Illinois, linking the Kickapoo State Recreation Area to Urbana. Learn more at trailsofthegrandprairie.org.
Must Watch: Power Trip Film
Bucking the trend of declining fatalities in other wealthy countries, U.S. crash deaths have spiked to more than 40,000 per year, along with tens of thousands of catastrophic injuries. Speed is a factor in nearly 30 percent of these crashes.
Power Trip is a film that examines the media culture around high-risk driving, including movies, video games and car commercials that glamorize speed and aggression. Ride Illinois recently attended a film screening and discussion with the executive producer. Spend an hour watching this eye-opening film and share it with love ones!
Infrastructure
Project Spotlight: Saluki Greenway Extension
The city of Carbondale celebrated the opening of the Saluki Greenway, a 2.4-mile stretch dedicated to safety, mobility, and active transportation. The new 10-foot-wide, ADA-accessible multi-use path provides a safer alternative to highway travel, making it easier for everyone to get around.
Supported through IDOT’s ITEP program, the project features a fully separated walking and biking route, painted crosswalks, and signalized crossings at busy intersections. The Saluki Greenway enhances access to shopping, medical care and recreation while promoting healthier lifestyles for southern Illinois residents and visitors.
Community
Celebrating Ed Barsotti's Official Retirement
Ed Barsotti became League of Illinois Bicyclists' first paid executive director in 2001. LIB rebranded to Ride Illinois in 2015. In 25 years with the organization, Ed's leadership, knowledge, and passion for bicycling resulted in an effective nonprofit organization that advocates for all who ride a bicycle in Illinois. Ed guided the organization's advocacy efforts, planned many enjoyable Grand Illinois Bike Tours, and developed impactful resources, such as BikeSafetyQuiz.
👏👏👏 We can't thank Ed enough for his dedication to Ride Illinois. Ed and his wife, Laurie, now reside in North Carolina. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, Ed!
Recommendation: The Caring Parent's E-Bike Survival Guide
This lifesaving guide (available on Amazon) is a must-have for parents who refuse to leave their child's safety to chance. Packed with vital tips and expert advice, discover how to make e-bike riding safe for your teen.
Inside, you'll find everything you need—master safety rules, manage riding habits, and set guidelines that fit your family. Dive into easy-to-follow advice on choosing the right e-bike, maintaining it for peak performance, and controlling speed to keep things safe.
💡What bike-related books or podcasts do you recommend? From epic adventures to practical advice, to the benefits of biking, there are plenty of options! Send your suggestions to info@rideIllinois.org.
Click here to learn about generous clubs and community organizations.
Corporate Members
Ride Illinois truly appreciates the support of our corporate members. This month, we’re pleased that Civiltech Engineeringrenewed their Corporate Membership – and their support of bike education, advocacy, and awareness for another year.Businesses and corporations that believe in Ride Illinois’ mission are invited to join as a Corporate Member. Learn more and explore options at rideillinois.org/corporate-membership.Click here to learn more about our generous Corporate Members.
Grants & Other Opportunities
2026 Community Spark Grants
League of American Bicyclists' Community Spark Grants support the growing number of local grassroots changemakers and organizations nationwide working to improve their communities through better bicycling with $2,000 mini-grants. Application deadline is January 27, 2026.
Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD)
The FY2026 Grant Cycle offers four unique funding opportunities for qualifying applicants in Madison and St. Clair Counties, IL. Each grant opportunity is listed below by program name and status. Eligible applicants can receive up to one MEPRD award per grant program, per fiscal year. Application deadline is May 29, 2026.
Bike Safety Quiz Mini-Grants
Illinois schools can receive $2 per student (up to $2,000 per school per grant year) for completing one of Ride Illinois' quizzes. The funding covers school staff time to assign Ride Illinois' free, online quiz as a 15-30 minute assignment. Reimbursement is based on the number of students who complete a quiz in the 2025-2026 school year.
Events Calendar
🗓 Ride Illinois is pleased to promote the rides and event offered by affiliated bike clubs and community organizations, plus other impactful organizations.
Below are some rides and events we think you'll appreciate:
Ride Illinois recently attended the the TrailNation Summit in Cleveland to gain the skills and build connections related to trail development (L) and shared updates about our advocacy, education, and awareness efforts at the Bicycle Club of Lake County's member meeting (R).
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