by Riding, experts say, should be a lifelong learning process. That is why smart riders know they got to keep training to stay safely on top of their motorcycles.
“It really is like marksmanship training,” said Ray Ochs, vice president of training systems for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
In 2009, the Pentagon ordered all the services to require basic motorcycle training for all military riders, as well as encouraging regular refresher training. This move was due to the growing number of motorcycle deaths and injuries. The move saw immediate results. Since the new training requirement went into effect, an average of 87 have died annually. Injuries have also been dropping.
However, this record is not enough since fatality rates have been edging up over the past two years. That is why beginning in January, officials tightened the rules, now they require troops to get intermediate training and refresher courses.
The course designed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are:
Level 1; Basic Rider Course
Usually a two- to three-day course with both classroom and on-the-bike instruction. This is designed to teach fundamental riding skills such as braking, low-speed maneuvering and rules of the road.
Level 2: Basic Rider Course II
Also known as the Experienced Rider Course, this is usually a one-day class conducted on your own bike and is designed to hone skills learned in the basic course.
Level 2: Military Sportbike Rider Course
Required for all sport bike riders in lieu of the BRC II. The vast majority of military motorcycle fatalities and injuries come on sport bikes.
Level 3: Advanced courses
None of the services require this level of training, although it is encouraged.
Refresher training
Refresher training, which can be any Level 2 or Level 3 course, must be done every three years.
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