Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is resuming its Cycle Rider Safety Training Program for residents aged 16 and older, in partnership with Southern Illinois University (SIU). This initiative allows successful graduates to waive the written and riding portions of the Illinois motorcycle license exam administered by the Secretary of State's office.

“The Cycle Rider Safety Training Program teaches riders the skills necessary to operate a motorcycle safely and confidently,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, Bureau Chief of Safety Programs and 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.”

The program offers three levels of classes: Basic Safety Course, Basic Safety Course 2, and Advanced Rider Course. The Basic Safety Course is a 20-hour, three-day class aimed at novice riders, covering various street-riding skills and strategies. The Basic Safety Course 2 builds on these skills over two days, focusing on stopping, shifting, and clutch control. The Advanced Rider Course is a one-day class that emphasizes self-assessment, risk management, rider behavior, riding strategies, and overall skill development.

Training motorcycles and helmets are provided for basic courses. Students must wear appropriate protective clothing including long pants, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, gloves, and eye protection. Funded by motorcycle registration fees, each course requires a refundable $20 payment from students; however, many choose to donate this fee back to support future riders.

The Cycle Rider Safety Training Program was established in 1976 by the General Assembly. Recently faced with an unexpected change in vendors for teaching courses statewide led to a temporary halt in some regions' classes.

“These were tough losses because both schools did exceedingly well at administering training for the program in central and northern Illinois," Seck-Birhame noted about Harper College in Palatine and Illinois Central College in East Peoria ending their contracts with IDOT. "However, outside variables made it difficult for these community colleges to sustain the program."

SIU has now stepped forward as an ideal partner due to its extensive experience in motorcycle education since establishing its own training program nearly 60 years ago.

“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.”

Registrations have opened on a limited basis at some northern locations like Joliet Junior College starting this weekend. Classes are also available this month in Decatur and East Moline with plans for statewide availability by next spring.

“We have a proud history at IDOT at offering motorcycle training," Seck-Birhame concluded. "Working with our safety partners and friends in the motorcycling community...we really have been at the forefront of providing this kind of training.”

For further information on the program or registration details visit IDOT's overview page or SIU’s Motorcycle Rider Program page.

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