South Bay cities offer traffic school for bicyclists who get tickets

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- If knowledge is power, then a new bicycle education and diversion program should empower bicyclists to better protect themselves on the road.

It started New Year's Day and several South Bay cities decided to offer bicyclists who are cited for a traffic violation the option of enrolling in a bicycle safety class instead of fighting a ticket or paying hefty fine.

Jim Hannon, vice president of the South Bay Bicycle Coalition, is the one who pushed local municipalities to offer the course.

"Motorists have had classes for decades. It's about time bicyclists have the same option," he said.

Instead of fighting a ticket or paying a fine that usually runs a few hundred dollars, violators can take a three-hour bicycle safety class for $50 and the citation won't go on their record.

"It's basically a traffic school for bicyclists," said Charlene Di Paola, president of the South Bay Bicycle Coalition. "The ultimate goal is zero accidents, hopefully in the next two to three years. That would be amazing."

The course covers everything from an overview of the causes of bicycle crashes, to the rules of the road, according to Hannon.

The program's $50 fee goes to the South Bay Bicycling Coalition's school programs, which provides things such as free bicycle helmets and training materials for kids.