For purposes of this Act, "bikeways program" includes, but is not limited to: surveys, safety measures, demonstration projects, research, education, proposed legislation, utilization of existing streets and walkways, provision of bicycle paths to and from schools affording a minimum of hazard from automobiles, provision of comfort stations and weather shelters, provision of facilities in connection with commuter railroads to facilitate the use of bicycles by commuters in traveling to and from the railroad stations, and promulgation of standards, security measures and regulations for the registration and use of bicycles.
The Department and, with the Department's approval, the county board of any county or the corporate authorities of any municipality, conservation district, park district, or forest preserve district are hereby authorized to expend funds appropriated for purposes of this Act to acquire right-of-way, plan, locate, relocate, construct, reconstruct, maintain, alter, improve, vacate, and regulate the use of officially designated bikeways. For purposes of this Act a bikeway may be (1) a shared facility whereby both vehicles and bicycles may operate on the through lanes, parking lanes or shoulders of a street or highway, (2) a pathway on a street or highway right-of-way, on public land other than a street or highway right-of-way, or on lands not owned by a municipality, local unit of government, county, or the State of Illinois or one of its agencies or authorities by agreement with the owner for a minimum duration of 20 years. Property interests acquired for projects constructed under the terms of this Act shall not restrict the access, use or enjoyment of the bikeways by the public consistent with regulation by the agency of government with jurisdiction over each bikeway and shall protect the public investment for the useful life of the bikeways.
605 ILCS 30/2