Normal approves bicycle diversion program

Posted on June 1, 2015
Bike route sign
The bike diversion program will give bicyclists an option to take an online safety course rather than pay a fine if they are issued a citation. (Photo courtesy Flickr/MichaelCornelius)

By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – Normal’s Town Council on Monday approved the creation of a bicycle diversion program.

City Manager Mark Peterson said the program allows a resident who is issued a bike citation to take an online safety course instead of paying a fine.

“It’s a class that’s readily available right now, but they’d have to take it. They get a certificate once they’ve completed the class, proof of completion and passage,” said Peterson. “That would negate the fine.”

Peterson added the program only applies to first time offenders.

“We’re not looking to be punitive with bicyclists who violate the rules of the road, but we want to education them so they don’t repeat those mistakes,” he said.

Also on Monday, the council approved a $60,000 budget amendment to fund the moving of the town’s Emergency Operations Center from the old City Hall to the basement of the Fire Department Headquarters.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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