Popular motorcycle training courses resume

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation’s popular Cycle Rider Safety Training Program courses are resuming in the central and northern regions of the state on a limited basis. The program, established in 1976, offers motorcycle riding skills at three levels, from novice users and intermediate operators as well as advanced techniques for seasoned riders.

“The Cycle Rider Safety Training Program teaches riders the skills necessary to operate a motorcycle safely and confidently,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s Bureau Chief of Safety Programs & Engineering. “Having a proper course for riding is the best option to be a professional rider. At IDOT, we are committed to safety for all road users. Reducing motorcycle crashes is an integral part of our strategy in getting to zero fatalities in Illinois.”

Classes are open to licensed drivers 16 and older. Successful graduates who are 18 and older have the opportunity to waive the riding and written portions of the Illinois motorcycle license exam.

Southern Illinois University recently partnered with IDOT to begin offering the classes across the state. The state previously partnered with Harper College in Palatine and Illinois Central College in East Peoria to administer the program in northern and central Illinois, respectively. While SIU continued to run the program in southern Illinois, both Harper and Illinois Central College ended their agreements, which temporarily halted classes in Regions A and B.

Starting this month, SIU is hosting classes on a limited basis in the program’s Region B, which covers the central part of the state, the Quad Cities and portions of Chicago’s south suburbs. The first new courses are at Joliet Junior College, Richland Community College in Decatur and at the Rock Island County Fair in East Moline this month. All are sold out.

Classes in Region A, which stretches across northern Illinois and includes Chicago and most suburbs, will start accepting registrations in the spring.

As registration opportunities continue to ramp up, an initial backlog is expected and patience is urged.

“Started more than 55 years ago, SIU’s motorcycle training program has become a model nationally and internationally,” said Jared Borrenpohl, the program’s director and coordinator. “We are fortunate to have great instructors as we work with IDOT to expand throughout Illinois while remaining dedicated to the vision to provide quality motorcycle training that promotes and reinforces safe and responsible riding.”

The cycle rider training program is funded through a surcharge on motorcycle registrations in Illinois. A $20 refundable fee is required to register and helps support the program. For more information on the program, visit the IDOT’s program page, where there is a list of frequently asked questions, or SIU’s Motorcycle Rider Program page.

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