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Officials in 1 Kan. community to consider changing bike fines

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita officials are considering a plan to end penalties for people who ride bicycles at night without headlights. And the city will give away hundreds of free lights to riders who need them.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board is recommending that riding without a light be treated as an equipment violation instead of a moving violation. If the City Council approves, violators would receive a “fix-it” ticket and could avoid a fine by putting a light on their bike and getting a police officer to sign off.

The Wichita Eagle reports that riding without a light at night is listed in the city code as a $20 fine, but the fine comes with $67 in add-on costs.

About 140 bikers were cited for headlight violations last year.

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