Why are Motorcycle Courses Not Free In Every State?
This should be a major concern for all Motorcycle Organizations.
http://tribune-democrat.com/editorials/x704274675/Bike-and-trike-training
Bike and trike training Rider safety courses well worth time invested Anonymous The Tribune-Democrat The Tribune-Democrat Fri Feb 11, 2011, 01:00 AM EST
— Motorcyclists, take heart, spring is a mere 37 days away, and PennDOT says it’s time to map plans for taking its rider safety courses.
We agree.
They’re free and informative and help cyclists hone their skills for another riding season.
We urge motorcyclists in our region, young or old, novices or veterans, to sign up.
The courses offer excellent instruction and tips – both classroom and practical riding experience – and for newcomers, an opportunity to become licensed to operate motorcycles.
“Through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program, we are committed to helping all riders improve their safety knowledge and operating skills,” acting PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said.
“By practicing proper riding techniques and learning how to handle their motorcycles in all types of road and weather conditions, motorcyclists can further reduce their chances of being involved in a crash.”
And although no one likes the thoughts of being involved in traffic accidents, motorcyclists are just as vulnerable – perhaps even moreso – as motorists operating four-wheeled vehicles.
But, perhaps surprising, is the fact that in Pennsylvania, both motorcycle crashes and fatalities involving riders have decreased over the past three years for which data are available.
In 2009, there were 3,736 crashes, down from the 4,111 in 2007. During that same period, there were 204 fatalities in 2009, down from 225 in 2007.
We say “surprising” because both licensed motorcyclists and the number of registered motorcycles are, as one might expect, increasing.
In 2010, PennDOT says, there were 838,000 licensed cyclists, 36,900 more than in 2007. And there were 397,700 registered cycles in 2010, 37,400 more than in 2007.
Perhaps education efforts by PennDOT and state and municipal police officers are paying off.
We hope so.
PennDOT’s riding courses are offered March through October at about 70 locations throughout the state, but we urge our readers who are interested not to delay in signing up. Courses traditionally fill quickly.
And there is a welcomed new twist this year: A basic rider course for three-wheeled motorcycles will be offered in Butler, Lehigh and York counties.
Anyone attending Johnstown’s annual Thunder in the Valley motorcycle rally in June can attest to the growing popularity of the trikes.
The 12-hour trikes course features four hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of practical riding experience. Students must provide their own three-wheeled motorcycle and protective gear.
We commend PennDOT for realizing a need to cater to the trike trend, which has caught on with older riders, women looking to ride on their own, and people with physical handicaps who have difficulties operating traditional motorcycles.
The 15-hour basic rider course consists of five hours of in-class instruction and 10 hours of practical riding experience. Students taking the basic course are provided a motorcycle and helmet, but are responsible for providing all other protective gear.
Also offered to riders who have completed the basic course is a six-hour advanced, refresher course. Those riders must provide their own motorcycle and all gear.
All course participants must have a motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle license.
The training is under the direction of certified rider coaches.
Another bonus is that insurance companies offer discounts to people who have completed a rider safety course.
Registration
* For additional information on or to register for PennDOT’s motorcycle safety program, go to www.pamsp.com, or call (800) 845-9533 Mondays through Fridays between 8 a.m. and noon.
* An interactive website designed specifically for motorcyclists can be found at www.LiveFreeRideAlive.com. Included is a documentary featuring several Pennsylvania riders, their family members and friends, who share their riding experiences and lessons about what they’ve learned
Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
www.bikerrogue.com
