Quote Originally Posted by Geonz
They're not vehicles in this state.
It is my understanding that bicycles are considered vehicles in all 50 states. From the Illinois vehicle code:
(625 ILCS 5/11‑1502) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1502)
Sec. 11‑1502. Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles. Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this Code, except as to special regulations in this Article XV and except as to those provisions of this Code which by their nature can have no application.
(Source: P.A. 82‑132.)
If it's of any use, here's a link to the bicycle portion of the vehicle code for Illinois: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs...+Vehicle+Code.

I have to say that in spite of the motor vehicle code stating that bicycles can ride in the road - and can ride 2 abreast - the statute related to left hand turns seems absolutely ridiculous (as in it appears that you are supposed to cross the road while on the right side, then stop and and make your turn.) That's nuts. If you look at this piece of the code, then I can certainly understand your statement that bicycles are not considered vehicles in Illinois. Remind me not to ride there! (Oh wait, I have ridden in Illinois. I spent 4 days there during my cross-country ride. But then again the only city of any size that I went through was Peoria.)