By Julius Williams
For the last three years, the college has offered a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved motorcycle training program as a continuing education course. If you’ve thought about getting that two-wheeler on the road, then this is the place to start.
Phil Wegman, program director, Skills Enhancement, said that enrollment has continually increased.
“Here’s what’s happening,” Wegman said. “As the price of gas increases, more and more people are turning to alternative modes of transportation. We have more and more people out on the highways and every rider needs to learn to be a safe as they can be.”
Wegman said that there is always an element of risk for motorcycle riders, so their goal as instructors is to teach people to be safety-minded. The class includes eight hours of classroom instruction and 12 hours of practice on motorcycles provided by the college.
Alex Gould is a student at the college studying sustainable agriculture. He took part in the course this past weekend and said he enjoyed it immensely. As a first time rider, Gould felt that the course gave him the foundation he needed to operate safely on the road.
All of the instructors are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and take their jobs very seriously. One of those instructors is Greg Pruitt. A seasoned rider and instructor, Pruitt believes that the course is fundamental to keeping yourself safe out on the road.
“I highly recommend it,” he said. “I see a lot of people out here without the experience and you can tell who has gone through the course by the level of their riding ability.”
Not everyone who takes the course passes but students can retake the course if needed. After receiving a passing grade, students can take their diplomas to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get their licenses.
Other benefits include discounts on insurance and equipment. The program is sponsored by several local motorcycle dealerships and equipment retailers.
Wegman said that it’s not unusual to read in the local newspaper on a regular basis about motorcycle accidents, so it’s imperative that riders start off with a solid foundation.
“There’s always an element of risk, drivers don’t always see motorcycles so we have to teach people to be as safety-minded as possible to avoid accidents,” Wegman said.
The motorcycle training course is offered through the college’s continuing education program. You do not have to be a credit student to enroll. It’s available for anyone in the community 15 years or older with a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
“It’s a lot of fun and you will learn a lot,” Gould said. “I definitely recommend it and I feel confident that I can go out on the road.”
Contact Julius Williams, staff reporter, at jwilli78@jccc.edu.