For years car drivers who received a traffic ticket have had the chance to take a defensive driving course to get their tickets dismissed.
Starting in July for the first time in Austin and in the nation cyclists will be afforded the same privileges in a Defensive Cycling course to be taught by certified members of the Austin Cycling Association.
"It's not just to get a ticket dismissed, though it does get a ticket dismissed. Our hope is that we'll be able to reach adults and teach them how to ride a bicycle safely in traffic and proficiently," said Wes Robinson with the Austin Cycling Association.
Records from Austin's Municipal Court show that in 2009, 125 cyclists received $217.00 tickets for running red lights, the number one traffic violation for local cyclists.
The second traffic law broken the most by 110 local cyclists was for not having lights, a $147.00 ticket.
The new defensive cycling courses have the overwhelming support of Austin's municipal court judges.
"I think that's one of the things that's going to be helpful is with this class it will instruct folks of the right way to coexist and I think that's what we want from the bicycle community and drivers of motor vehicles as well," said Judge Alfred Jenkins, III with Austin's Municipal Courts.
The defensive cycling courses will be offered once a month starting on July 7th and will cost around $25.
Taking the course will get tickets dismissed, however court fees will still have to be paid.
For more information on location, time and dates of the defensive cycling courses click here:
