The Illinois Department of Transportation this week opened a competitive grant process for new partners to deliver the state’s long-running motorcycle safety training program, announcing $6 million in available funding and an Aug. 24 application deadline.
Who can apply and why it changed
Changes enacted earlier this year broaden the pool of potential providers. Under an amendment that took effect Jan. 1 — Public Act 104-0408 — the Cycle Rider Safety Training Program may now be offered by community colleges and state universities, in addition to local governments, not-for-profits and businesses that meet program requirements.
IDOT said the official Notice of Funding Opportunity, including rules, frequently asked questions and contact information, is available on the agency’s Illinois Traffic Safety Grants webpage. Awards will be announced later this year.
Program background and public safety context
The Cycle Rider Safety Training Program began in 1976 under the Cycle Rider Safety Training Act (Public Act 82-649). Since its inception, the program has trained more than 400,000 riders through classes typically offered by colleges and universities with grants administered by IDOT. Under the new law, classes will no longer be assigned by the former regional boundaries and a variety of curricula may be used with IDOT approval.
IDOT highlighted the safety rationale for continuing and expanding the program: while motorcycles account for less than 3% of registered vehicles in Illinois, they are involved in nearly 15% of fatal crashes.
Application priorities and what applicants should know
Awards will be evaluated based on:
- Training needs — the demonstrated demand and gaps in existing offerings;
- Cost effectiveness — efficient use of grant funds to reach riders; and
- Organizational capacity — the applicant’s ability to administer courses and manage students.
The Cycle Rider Safety Training Program offers free safety courses for riders of all skill levels; successful graduates receive a completion card that waives the Secretary of State motorcycle license test. IDOT said classes historically have been provided through higher education institutions, but the law change allows community colleges and state universities to compete directly alongside local governments, nonprofits and private businesses.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Available funding | $6,000,000 |
| Application deadline | Aug. 24 |
| Program start year | 1976 |
| Riders trained to date | More than 400,000 |
Organizations interested in applying should consult the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Illinois Traffic Safety Grants webpage for application instructions and contact information. IDOT has said awards will be made later this year and that approved curricula must meet IDOT standards.
The expansion of eligible providers and the removal of rigid regional assignments aim to increase access to rider training across the state and to better target funds where the need and potential safety benefits are greatest. For riders, the program remains one of the primary paths to learn safe motorcycle operation and to obtain a completion card that eases licensing.
Grace Kowalski is the Illinois correspondent for News Block. She covers state transportation and public safety issues from Springfield and the surrounding communities.
