Importance of motorcycle safety

Warm weather brings motorcycles out on the roads.

While it is important for motorists to be aware of motorcyclists, it is even more important for motorcyclists to understand the rules of driving a cycle.

Motorcycle Basic Rider safety classes are required for anyone who wants to ride a motorcycle.  It’s a three day course where people learn the basics about riding a motorcycle, and of course, how to stay safe on the road.

“It just teaches people to be aware,” Motorcycle Safety Instructor T.J. Mallett said.  “There’s a lot people that haven’t ridden motorcycles, and they go out and buy one prior to knowing how to handle one.”

“Or, many people have ridden motorcycles and taken some time off, so this is a good refresher course teaching all the fundamentals.”

At the end of the three–day course, riders have to pass a written test and a driving test.  For anyone interested in taking the class, there are two things to remember.

“You always have to be prepared for weather, you just never know what we’re going to run into,” Mallett said.  “And, when you take this course, unfortunately, due to so many schedules, there’s no re-take of the course.”

Marquette holds classes seven times a year, and other areas in the U. P. hold classes as well.

Northern Michigan University’s website, www.nmu.edu, has more information on the classes, or people can check with motorcycle shops for classes throughout the summer months.