PennDOT offers motorcyclists free safety courses

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Pennsylvania riders have opportunity to learn and hone skills.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Aug. 14, 2009

Riding the fuel efficient 2009 BMW F 800 GS through the Vermont Motorcycle Certification - Hard Braking simulation in an empty school parking lot last month.

Harrisburg, PA. -- PennDOT is reminding motorcycle riders of all experience levels there is still time to take advantage of two free motorcycle safety courses offered through Pennsylvania's Motorcycle Safety Program. Classes are conducted annually from March through October.

"Through the Motorcycle Safety Program, we are committed to helping all riders improve their operating skills and safety knowledge," said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. "We offer these classes to build a sound, safe training basis for beginning motorcyclists and maintain safe operation among more experienced riders. 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."

The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is a 15-hour course consisting of five hours of in-class instruction and 10 hours of practical riding experience, under the watchful eyes of certified rider coaches. This comprehensive safety and skills overview provides valuable training for new riders and gives experienced riders the opportunity to polish their skills.

The six-hour Experienced Rider Course (ERC) provides skilled riders the chance to refresh their safety knowledge and hone their on-road skills. Riders taking the ERC are permitted to carry a passenger while practicing balance and steering techniques in a controlled environment under the guidance of certified rider coaches.

To enroll in the BRC or ERC, individuals must have either a Class M (motorcycle) learner's permit or license. Class M permit holders who successfully complete the BRC or the ERC will be issued a Class M (motorcycle) license. Motorcycles and helmets are provided to those taking the BRC; students taking the ERC must provide their own motorcycles and helmets.

Pennsylvania riders no matter how experienced, please take advantage of this free offer as it can only help make you a better rider!

[Earthling]

Free rider safety courses? Wow, that's a super deal. In New York, the basic rider course costs more than $300.

I took the Basic Rider Course, and I've very glad I did. I learned counter-steering at that course. Counter-steering has saved my life twice, when I found myself wandering off the Interstate. I was able to immediately regain control. Without counter-steering, I would have collided with guardrail at 65 mph, which would most likely have been the last thing I ever did.

When I talked about counter-steering at a safety seminar, I had a long time biker claim that I was wrong and that counter-steering couldn't possibly work. And at my motorcycle awareness talks at our company driver improvement classes, none of the bikers knew what the heck I was talking about. Any motorcyclist who is unfamilar with counter-steering is riding without a fundamental skill and is unaware of this serious safety deficiency.

If you ride a motorcycle, you must take a rider course. Pennsylvania is doing what other states should do by making the courses available at no cost. And even if it costs you $300 or so, it will be a very good investment.

Harry