JULY 7, 2009

Secretary Land says classes benefit novice and experienced motorcyclists

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that the recent addition of the Lansing Community College motorcycle program to the state's roster of certified training providers will help satisfy the increasing demand for motorcycle classes.

"Motorcycling is growing in popularity and the best way to learn the proper riding skills is through a motorcycle safety class," Land said. "These courses aren't just for new riders. I've talked to people who have ridden for years and were surprised at how much they learned after completing a class."

The addition of Lansing Community College's program brings the total number of public and private motorcycle safety course providers to 30 statewide. The Michigan Motorcycle Safety Program is administered by the Department of State.

LCC provides the Basic RiderCourse at its west campus, 5708 Cornerstone Drive, Lansing. During this three-day class, students learn the skills and strategies needed for safe riding, including straight-line riding, stopping, turning, cornering and swerving. Classroom instruction is provided along with 10 hours of practice on the range. The program is sponsored by a grant from the Department of State. The fee is $25, which is nonrefundable. Enrollment information can be found on the LCC Web site at www.lcc.edu/tet/.

A motorcycle endorsement is required to legally operate a motorcycle on Michigan roads. All riders must take a knowledge test and successfully complete a safety class or a skills test with a third-party testing organization before a motorcycle endorsement is issued. A safety course is required for 16- and 17-year-olds as well as for adults who fail the rider skills test twice.

"Learning to ride takes time, and like anything else, to get good at it you have to practice" said Dick Scott, the LCC Motorcycle Program director. "Motorcycle safety classes offer students a safe environment in which to learn and practice. All of our instructors have years of riding experience and are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation."

To become a certified motorcycle safety instructor, applicants must meet the standards set by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the Michigan Motorcycle Safety Program. These include that applicants:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Have a valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement
3. Have no more than six points for moving violations on their driving record within 12 months of applying to become an instructor
4. Ride on a routine basis and have several years of varied riding experience
5. Possess good communication skills
6. Complete approximately 80 hours of classroom and range instruction
7. Pass a comprehensive written and riding skills test
8. Successfully conduct a Basic RiderCourse while under the supervision of an experienced RiderCoach Trainer

In addition to the classes offered at LCC, area residents may register for the Basic RiderCourse at the Alpha Training Center, 2200 South Washington Ave., Lansing. ATC, which is one of 16 private training schools statewide, also offers instruction for more experienced riders.

More than 30,000 residents are expected to attend motorcycle safety classes or go through a third-party skills test this year.

For more information about motorcycle safety classes, becoming a certified motorcycle safety instructor or the Michigan Motorcycle Safety Program, visit the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.