Motorcycle skills courses help new, experienced riders

PHOENIX – Are you an experienced motorcycle rider looking to learn advanced techniques? A new rider learning the basics? Maybe you have to dust off your motorcycle before the occasional weekend ride?

If any of those situations sound familiar, consider taking a motorcycle rider course. And there’s no better time than now because May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

"Educated riders are safe riders," ADOT Director John Halikowski said. "Whether you’re new to riding, need a refresher or want to learn advanced techniques, a rider course can help keep you safe on the road."

Not only will the skills and knowledge gained from a driving school keep riders safe, they can help you skip written and road tests when applying for a motorcycle license or endorsement. It’s simple: Attend an approved motorcycle training school and receive a Motorcycle Safety Foundation card from the school, and you’ll be exempt from written and road tests.

There are more than 30 approved motorcycle driving schools across the state. More information on motorcycle licenses and approved driving schools is available at azdot.gov/motorcyclelicense.

Drivers of four-wheeled vehicles can help keep motorcyclists safe by being aware that blind spots can hide motorcycles. To increase awareness, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is running a statewide campaign in May with radio and billboard advertisements featuring the message, "It came out of nowhere." Additionally, overhead signs will display messages that encourage drivers to look twice for motorcycles.

"All motorists – drivers of vehicles and motorcycle riders – need to be aware of their surroundings on the road," GOHS Director Alberto Gutier said. "If we look out for each other, we’ll keep each other safe and make sure everyone makes it home."