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Defensive Cycling Class lets bikers erase tickets
Coming soon — a defensive cycling class that gives bicyclists who have received traffic tickets a chance to have them erased.
The Austin Cycling Association has partnered with the Austin Municipal Court to offer the class, one of the nation’s first defensive cycling courses.
Cyclists who successfully complete the three-hour class, which costs $25, will receive a certificate that the court may honor to dismiss a traffic ticket.
“It’s one of the first in the country and, aside from the equal treatment aspect, I like that our court recognizes the benefit of allowing cyclists an opportunity to become educated about riding safely in cooperation with traffic instead of just paying a fine and continuing to do whatever it was that they were cited for doing,” says Wes Robinson, director of education for the Austin Cycling Association.
In Austin, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. That means they have the right to ride on any roadway unless prohibited by a specific local ordinance. They also must follow all the same traffic laws as motorists.
Instructors certified by the League of American Bicyclists will teach the classes, which will include safe cycling tips. They’ll take place at the BikeTexas offices, 1902 E. Sixth St.
Classes are scheduled for the following dates:
- 6 p.m. July 7
- 9 a.m. Aug. 7
- 6 p.m. Sept. 1
- 9 a.m. Oct. 2
- 6 p.m. Nov. 3
- 9 a.m. Dec. 4
To register, go to http://bit.ly/a3tTOp. The course can be taken once every 12 months.
Ticketed cyclists can also sign up to take the class at the clerk’s window at the Municipal Court starting June 1.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment Categories: cycling
Comments
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By AusTex
June 3, 2010 9:13 PM | Link to this
Still won’t do any good. Most bicyclist never obey traffic laws - running stop signs, red lights, blocking traffic and generally acting stupid. It’s a wonder more are not killed or injured on the road - due mostly to auto drivers paying attention for those dumb souls…
By roadgeek
June 3, 2010 10:31 PM | Link to this
Seems reasonable.
By Pam LeBlanc
June 4, 2010 4:55 PM | Link to this
Just a quick note, AusTex. I commute by bike regularly. I see both motorists AND cyclists breaking laws. Some motorists run stop signs, speed and cut off other drivers. Some cyclists run stop signs and act stupid, too. But they are not alone.