All, thanks for the great responses. I actually did some research into the topic and San Francisco at least has this great program called Project 20, whereby one can do community service instead of pay the fine with cash (I think one of you mentioned this in one of the recent responses).

I think I am going to take that route. I've never heard of such a program before, but it sounds like a brilliant policy on the city's part. It works out for us cyclists too because not only do we have to fork out 100 bills for a minor violation, but we can also help out the local bike clubs.

The San Francisco Bike Coalition has some great info regarding bike tickets/project 20 on their website: www.sfbike.org

Anyone checking out this thread live in the Bay Area? I'd love to get some input from folks who have done this program option before.

Keep the great discussions coming.

Cheers,

Dave