ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILL. (AP) -- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation into law that his office says will better protect bicyclists in the state.
Quinn signed the legislation Monday at Campbell Street Bicycle Shop in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights.
League of Illinois Bicyclists executive director Ed Barsotti says the bills "will help both motorists and bicyclists do their parts in sharing our roadways safely."
According to the group one bill will establish new penalties for motorists that drive recklessly or unnecessarily close to bicyclists.
A second piece of legislation will create "Share the Road" Illinois licenses plates.
The money from the license plates will fund education campaigns.
Quinn says the new laws will keep bicyclists safe and remind drivers to be alert for bicyclists.
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