Motorcycle Safety Foundation Classes

GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — Officers are reminding motorcyclists to be cautious on the road as the weather gets warmer. It’s a popular time of year to bring the bikes out of the garage.

Highway Patrol reports at least nine fatal motorcycle and moped accidents in the Piedmont already this year.

Motorcycle Officer Justin Fleming with the High Point Police Department says the most common mistakes motorcycle drivers make usually involve speed, such as coming around a corner too quickly.

Fleming says many local police departments offer rider safety classes, including in High Point, Greensboro and Burlington.

“You ride with actual motor officers and they assess your current riding ability, ” he explained.

Aaron Duhaime is a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Coach with GTCC.

He says they teach motorcyclists safety techniques that could be life-saving.

“You don’t ever have to have been on a motorcycle to enroll in this class, ” he said. “We teach the basic skills needed to get you out on the road, continue practicing and developing your skills.”

He gets a variety of interested students. “It’s pretty amazing! We get everything from 18 years old to 80 years old, men and women, ” he added. “You can enroll in this class, figure out if motorcycling is for you before you make this huge investment in a bike and gear.”