Basic Motorcyle Rider course offered

A Basic Motorcycle Rider course will be offered by Southwestern Community College June 17, 18 and 19 at SCC's regional Public Safety Training Complex in Franklin.

Developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the course covers the basic fundamentals through which participants can become safe and responsible motorcyclists by developing the necessary physical and mental skills.

Bill Justice is the instructor. An accomplished rider and instructor, he has taught motorcycle safety courses for a number of years.

In the classroom, students will learn ways to minimize risk and handle special riding situations. During the riding portions, they will be coached to develop the physical skills of basic control that include: straight line riding, stopping, turning, and shifting. They will then move on to more advanced skills in stopping quickly, cornering and swerving.

A Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course Completion Card will be issued upon successful completion of the course. The NC Department of Motor Vehicles will accept the course completion card as a substitute for the skills test when applying for the motorcycle endorsement.

Participant requirements include: pre-registration; must be 18 years or older; must be able to support a 300-pound motorcycle while straddling it; must have the ability to push the motorcycle for distances up to 120 feet; and must know how to ride a bicycle.

Each student will need to provide the following supplies: appropriate clothing (long pants, long sleeved shirt of jacket; eye protection (sunglasses, eye glasses, goggles or face shield); full-fingered gloves; over-the-ankle boots; DOT approved helmet.

Motorcycles will be provided for the course unless there are extenuating circumstances that warrant the student using their own motorcycle, such as a physical handicap. In such cases, prior approval must be obtained from SCC and/or the state director.

Course requirements include that the student attends all three sessions and achieves a minimum score on a knowledge test covering course material and on a riding-skill evaluation.

Cost for the course is $175 which includes a text. Registration and registration fee must be submitted prior to the course. On payment of the fee, the student will receive his or her textbook. The registration fee is non-returnable and non-transferable to another person or class date. Student books and class materials will be provided by Southwestern Community College.

For more information, contact Martha Smith at 369.0591.