Each year, starting in April and running through September, the Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety program offers three levels of motorcycle rider courses throughout the state. This year, the program offered 145 classes and served 1,362 students at 10 locations.
“These various classes teach motorcycle riders everything from basic riding techniques to more advanced riding skills,” said Jim Morrow, Director of the Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety program.
Last year, 1,376 students completed courses. Morrow noted this year’s numbers are about the same, which he believes is a good sign that Montanans are taking motorcycle safety seriously.
The participants enjoy the classes and tend to give the courses and coaches high marks. Some of the comments from participants include: ”Amazing what I didn’t know,” a long-term rider; “Now I feel ready to go out on my own,” a novice rider; and “Thank You!” is common.
“We would like to reach all riders in Montana to help keep everyone on the roads safer, but at the end of the riding season we have helped many become better riders and that makes a difference,” stated Morrow.
Three different classes are offered: the Basic Rider Course sm (BRC); Basic Rider Course 2 sm (BRC2); and Advanced Rider Course sm (ARC). Based on a student’s previous riding experience or current skills, Morrow helps place students in the correct course. Students who complete either of the basic courses are eligible to waive the motorcycle riding skill test required by Montana for a motorcycle endorsement. The Advanced course requires the student to already have a motorcycle endorsement.
“While the classes are done for this year, we will be offering the same classes next year. Look for registration to begin in March 2014,” said Morrow.
To learn more about the classes and locations, visit the Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety website at http://motorcycle.msun.edu or call 1-800-922-BIKE.
Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety (MMRS) became Montana’s official motorcycle training school in 1989 as a part of the Montana Office of Public Instruction in Helena. In 1999 it was relocated to Havre, Montana, as part of Montana State University-Northern.
Reader Comments(0)