Are you an Austin* cyclist who has received a traffic ticket while riding your bike?

The Austin Cycling Association offers one of the nation's first Defensive Cycling courses. Since July of 2010, in conjunction with the Austin Municipal Court, we have been offering an option to cyclists that has been available to drivers for years – having a traffic ticket waived in exchange for taking part in some valuable, effective training.

With this course, you will meet the requirements to dismiss your traffic ticket, have your fine waived (but not the court fee) and keep the offense from being applied to your driving record.

Whether you are new to cycling, or an experienced rider, you will also take away valuable techniques for increasing your safety and comfort in traffic. Through the training, you will learn the laws that apply to you, helping you avoid a ticket in the future.

Please note: you must complete and submit a Deferred Disposition Form along with your court fee prior to taking this course (details below).

(* Some other jurisdictions outside of Austin accept completion of this course for ticket deferrals. Ask at your local courthouse.)

New: As of March, 2013, an online course option is available in addition to the classroom-based training.

Cost: $25
Time: 3 hours
(Applies to both the classroom and online course.)

These courses are open to any cyclist--not just ones who have received a ticket. Not only will applying this training help prevent you from getting a traffic citation, but the techniques you learn will increase your comfort and safety on the road. Valuable for experienced cyclists as well as beginners.

Here's how you can take part in this 'ticket deferral' option

1. Complete and submit a Deferred Disposition form through the Austin Municipal Court, along with the payment of the court fee ($111) and any other associated charges.
2. Sign up for either the classroom-based course (see below) or the online version.
3. Complete the course with a passing grade. You will receive your certificate at the classroom course; for the online course, your certificate will be mailed to you.
4. On receiving your certificate, you can either mail it, or take it in person, to any location of the Austin Municipal Court.

Additional information regarding the Austin Municipal Court's procedures and requirements for bicycle violations can be found on the Court's website.

Why take the Defensive Cycling course?

By taking part in the course, you will:

• qualify to have your fine waived by the Austin Municipal Court (Note: you still need to pay your court fee);
• keep the citation from appearing on your driving record;
• gain valuable techniques that will help you increase your safety and comfort in traffic, even if you are an experienced cyclist, and;
• learn the laws that apply to you as a cyclist, reducing the likelihood of getting a future ticket.

Just as with driving, being found guilty of a traffic violation while riding your bike results in a criminal conviction, which is applied to your driving record. Some of the possible consequences of this could include:

• negative impact on your current job, or future job options;
• insurance rate increases if you drive a motor vehicle;
• being required to pay a minimum $100 surcharge if you accumulate 6 or more points on your record, as per the Texas Department of Public Safety's Driver Responsibility Program.

Successfully completing this course lets you avoid the negative consequences of a traffic ticket conviction, and can help make you a safer, more confident cyclist, and more skilled cyclist.

Both the classroom-based and online course are provided and taught under license by The Center for Cycling Education.