PennDOT Highlights New Motorcycle Training for 2018 Riding Season

PennDOT Highlights New Motorcycle Training for 2018 Riding Season

5/1/2018-KING OF PRUSSIA

As a long winter loosens its grip on Pennsylvania and the promise of warmer

weather brings an influx of motorcyclists to Pennsylvania roadways, PennDOT

recommends riders mitigate the chances of being involved in a crash by
taking
advantage of a revamped line of free motorcycle training through the
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP).

"Riders of all skill levels can practice and refine riding techniques from
time
to time while learning valuable skills and safety lessons through
Pennsylvania's free motorcycle safety clinics," said PennDOT Secretary
Leslie
S. Richards. "The short amount of time spent in training translates into
many
safe miles of riding by helping riders sharpen reflexes and hone the
split-second decision making required to safely operate a motorcycle."

Motorcycle crashes decreased from 3,450 in 2016 to 3,187 in 2017, resulting
in
a corresponding drop in fatalities - from 191 in 2016 to 185 in 2017.
There
were nearly 378,000 registered motorcycles and nearly 846,000 licensed
motorcyclists in Pennsylvania in 2017. The number of registered motorcycles

dipped by nearly 19,000 and licensed motorcyclists dropped by more than
11,000
from 2016 to 2017.

Developed by PennDOT's new program coordinator, Total Control Training
Incorporated, PAMSP offers four revamped training syllabuses and one new
clinic
tailored not just to hone a rider's knowledge, but to test their ability to

physically manipulate a motorcycle properly. All training clinics are
conducted under the supervision of certified instructors at one of numerous

riding ranges located throughout the state. The training is free for
Pennsylvania residents with a motorcycle license or permit.

For would-be riders who are still not sure if they want to ride, PAMSP
offers a
new, 4-hour Introduction to Riding Clinic (ITR). This non-licensing clinic
teaches fundamental skills for operating a two-or-three wheeled motorcycle
and
progresses from classroom to street skills and strategies. Students are
provided with a motorcycle and helmet.

The 16-hour Beginner Riding Clinic (BRC) provides valuable training for new

riders and gives experienced riders the opportunity to polish their skills
and
correct any unsafe riding habits they may have developed. Basic riding
skills,
shifting, stopping, swerving, turning and mental skills for hazard
avoidance
highlight the training. Students are provided with a motorcycle and helmet.

The eight-hour Intermediate Riding Clinic (IRC) allows skilled riders to
refresh their safety knowledge and hone their on-road skills. The IRC is
based
on motorcycle crash research and focuses on cornering, braking and swerving

skills. The eight-hour 3-Wheel Riding Clinic teaches riders skills and
safety
strategies like those taught in BRC, except on a 3-wheeled motorcycle.
Both
courses require students to provide their own motorcycle and protective
gear
and provide proof of insurance, current registration and inspection for
their
motorcycle.

Motorcycle learner's permit holders who successfully complete the BRC, IRC
or
the 3WC will be issued a motorcycle license. Those who successfully pass
their
skills test on a three-wheeled motorcycle will be issued a motorcycle
license
with a "9" restriction, meaning they are prohibited from operating a
two-wheeled motorcycle.

Rounding out the PAMSP offerings is the Advanced Riding Clinic (ARC), a
one-day
clinic for experienced riders who want to enhance their safety skills
through
attitude and awareness. The clinic is designed to enhance a rider's
ability to
avoid a crash through honing their decision-making abilities, riding
strategies, risk management and rider behavior and choices.

In addition to the benefit of improving riding skills, motorcyclists taking

PAMSP courses may receive an additional benefit in the form of insurance
savings.

"Many insurers offer discounts for motorcyclists who have completed safety
courses approved by PennDOT," said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner
Jessica
Altman. "Some insurers also offer discounts for riders who have
memberships in
certain associations, have a safe driving record or own a motorcycle with
certain safety features, such as factory installed anti-lock braking
systems,
which help maintain control during sudden stops."

For more information or to enroll in a clinic, visit www.pamsp.com or call
1-800-845-9533. Potential riders who want a convenient way to study for
their
knowledge test can download the PA Motorcycle Practice Test app by visiting

www.pa.gov and searching the mobile apps for the Pennsylvania Motorcycle
License Practice Test by clicking on the Apps link at the bottom of the
page.

Governor Tom Wolf has proclaimed May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month,
stressing the importance of all motorists sharing the road and riders
practicing motorcycle safety.

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