Thinking about experiencing the freedom of the open road in a whole new way? If you’ve been daydreaming about taking the plunge and buying a motorcycle, you’re not alone: with approximately 47.5 million riders and growing, plenty of people in America share your enthusiasm for motorcycle riding as a pastime and a mode of transportation.
However, one word of caution: if you think you can simply hop on a bike and ride, you may want to think again. Riding a motorcycle is a lot different from riding a bicycle or driving a car, and there are certain rules of the road that apply only to motorcyclists and must be followed. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you look into taking a motorcycle training and safety course prior to purchasing your new ride.
Why Should You Take a Motorcycle Safety Course?
Think about it: how did you learn to drive a car? If you’re like most drivers in the U.S. you probably either attended a Driver’s Ed course at school or through a private driving instruction program, or you were taught how to drive by a parent or other adult relative. Either way, the odds are good that you didn’t just hop behind the wheel, put the key into the ignition, and take off. The same holds true for riding a motorcycle. Proper instruction can not only help you to learn and understand the motorcycle-specific road rules that must be followed but can also go a long way toward keeping you safe and preventing you from serious injury or even death as you pursue your new passion.
What to Expect From a Motorcycle Safety Course
As their name implies, the purpose of these classes is to ensure proper motorcycle safety, first and foremost. The first portion of your course will be classroom instruction, where you’ll learn basic rider safety skills, along with other essential information like the components of a motorcycle and how they work together.
For the second portion of your motorcycle safety course, you’ll be getting hands-on with a motorcycle as you practice what you’ve learned. You’ll begin with the basics: accelerating, braking, shifting gears, steering, and changing lanes, all in a controlled, safe environment such as a large, empty parking lot with cones. Both the classroom and hands-on instruction portion of the course cover what you’ll need to know in order to pass your motorcycle driving test at the DMV. You can expect the course to last approximately 10-15 hours, normally over a weekend.
Just like a Colorado Car Accident Attorney, a motorcycle attorney also wants you to stay safe on the road and avoid any mishaps or problems. Denver motorcycle accident attorneys see a lot of cases that probably could be prevented.
Taking a motorcycle safety course not only benefits you by helping you stay safe on the road but also benefits your fellow motorists and ensures their safety as well. Best wishes to you for safe, fun travels as you embrace your sense of adventure on the road!
