Illinois Cycle Rider Safety Training Program

The Illinois Cycle Rider Safety Training Program is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation through its Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering. Established in 1976, the program has a long-standing history of improving roadway safety by providing structured motorcycle training to residents across Illinois. Over the decades, the program has trained hundreds of thousands of riders and plays a central role in the state’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan. Its overarching goal is to reduce fatalities and serious injuries among motorcyclists by increasing access to high-quality safety education and hands-on training. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to select qualified training providers to deliver motorcycle safety courses to Illinois residents. These courses are designed for individuals of varying experience levels, from novice riders to advanced participants, and include instruction on safe riding techniques, hazard awareness, and proper safety gear usage. The program also provides tangible benefits to participants, such as waiving the motorcycle licensing test requirement upon successful completion of certain training levels. Through this initiative, the state aims to build safer riding behaviors and reduce the risks faced by vulnerable road users. Funding under this program operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning that grantees are reimbursed for eligible expenses after costs are incurred. Allowable expenses include personnel costs, training site fees, equipment purchases such as motorcycles and technology, operating expenses, and instructional materials. Additional eligible costs may include maintenance of program equipment, instructor certification fees, and certain approved travel and training expenses. However, strict guidelines govern the use of funds, and grantees must comply with state procurement, travel, and reporting requirements. Certain expenses, such as personal phone or home internet usage, are explicitly disallowed. Eligibility for this grant is broad but clearly defined. Applicants may include state colleges or universities, community colleges, state or local government agencies, and both nonprofit and for-profit organizations operating in Illinois. All applicants must demonstrate the capacity to deliver training programs, maintain appropriate facilities and equipment, and comply with state standards and national training guidelines. Entities involved in the sale of motorcycles or registered as motorcycle dealers are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Additionally, applicants must maintain a physical presence in Illinois and demonstrate organizational, fiscal, and operational readiness. The application process requires submission through the state’s electronic grant management system, with all required forms and supporting documentation completed by the deadline. Applicants must provide detailed information on organizational capacity, staffing, training plans, and budget justification. Required components include resumes for key personnel, letters of support, and evidence of prior experience delivering motorcycle training. The application deadline is August 24, 2026 at 12:00 PM, and no late submissions are accepted. A question submission period is also provided, closing on August 21, 2026, to allow applicants to seek clarification. The grant period for awarded applicants runs from December 1, 2026 through November 30, 2027, with the possibility of two additional one-year renewals extending the program through November 30, 2029. During the performance period, grantees are responsible for delivering training courses, maintaining compliance with reporting requirements, and achieving established performance metrics. Monthly and quarterly reporting is required, along with ongoing monitoring by the Department. Awards are expected to be issued prior to the start of the grant period, ensuring continuity of program operations. This program is a competitive funding opportunity with a total program funding amount of six million dollars and an expected five awards. It requires a matching component, though the specific match amount is not defined in the provided materials. Overall, the Illinois Cycle Rider Safety Training Program represents a significant state investment in transportation safety, emphasizing education, accountability, and measurable outcomes to improve public safety across Illinois roadways.

Emphasize organizational capacity training experience and compliance with state and NHTSA standards