A St. Lambert woman is miffed that a bike safety program offered by Longueuil police to people to get out of cycling tickets is only available in French.
Ashley Valentini and her brother each received a $48 dollar ticket for riding their bikes on the sidewalk in Longueuil last week at around 1 o'clock in the morning.
Valentini claims the police officer told them they wouldn't have to pay the ticket if they went to a bike safety course. But she said she was later told by police there were no English classes.
"When I called they informed me there were no English classes available so my only option was to pay the ticket which I don't think is fair in the slightest," said Valentini.
Valentini said she grew up in the Eastern Townships and her French has become rusty so she would prefer to take a course in English.
"I just think I should be able to take a course on safety regulations and laws in my language especially since the policeman told me and assured me, 'Yes, there are English courses, you won't have to pay the ticket, yes, there are English courses,' " said Valentini.
"It's laws, it's safety regulations and laws so it's safety for us and for other people. It's laws so we should have access to that."
Longueuil police told CJAD 800 News the police officer unfortunately likely made a mistake and they are sorry for any inconveniences that may have caused.
They also explained that the one hour bike safety course is a new pilot project, Troque Ton Ticket, aimed at increasing cyclist safety and awareness. Police said it's simple enough that people whose mother tongue is not French have been able to follow it or have brought someone along to translate.
Valentini said no one told her that and was only told that the only other option was to pay up.
"It's not like I was given any information about, 'Well, you know, there's ways we can make it work.' I wasn't provided with that information," said Valentini.
Police also said they have not received any requests to have the course in any other language other than French and that they would re-evaluate things if there is a real demand.
Valentini said she may contest the ticket.