CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio 780)  -- The image of an Illinois State Trooper zipping along a Chicago expressway or downstate Interstate curbing a speeder on a motorcycle has been just that in recent years -- an image.

In reality, Illinois state troopers have not used motorcycles for traffic enforcement for several years. The department has only half a dozen troopers qualified to ride the 11 remaining cycles, which have been relegated to use in escorts and for ceremonial purposes.

WBBM's Bob Roberts reports that's changing.

The agency will use a $500 thousand federal grant to lease nearly 40 motorcycles.

State Police M/Sgt. Rick Hector said by summer, the department will deploy 50 motorcycles in six platoons that will roam the roads of Illinois instead of being attached to specific districts.

"We could even have 50 motorcycles working on a certain stretch of Interstate trying to (achieve) voluntary compliance," he said.

Hector says the Harley-Davidsons are highly maneuverable and will be used to spot motorists speeding, changing lanes improperly, failing to wear seat belts, driving drunk and following too closely.

The announcement comes on the heels of purchase, with the Illinois Department of Transportation, of three vans that will be used to catch speeders in road construction zones. Gov. Rod Blagojevich also promised to borrow $15 million to buy 500 new squad cars.

The purchases and leases represent the first sizable purchase of vehicles for the State Police in several years.

Hector said the average squad car currently has been driven 122 thousand miles.

The first of the motorcycle platoons should be deployed in May.