SAFETY STILL COMES FIRST
Motorcycle class teaches safety as more drivers are drawn to gas savers
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They formed two lines and revved their engines as they waited to drive down the lane on their motorcycles.
The hot sun beamed down on each of the 12 students waiting for their turn to race over the burning asphalt underneath them.
“Come on,” David Bratton, motorcycle class instructor, yelled over the roaring engines. “I want you to have to use your brakes next time.”
Bratton and Merlyn Hartman taught the Motorcycle Basic Rider Course at The Victoria College. They taught the group of 12 students to use their brakes and excel when needed.
“We show them how to maneuver the motorcycle and stay balanced,” Bratton said.
This summer the college offered four classes in both June and July. In 2007, Texas had over 838,000 licensed motorcyclist, as of April 1 the number increased to over 853,000, John G. Young, program supervisor for Texas Department of Public Safety Motorcycle Safety Unit, said.
“High gasoline prices has increased the demand for motorcycle safety training,” Sherri Pall, continuing education business coordinator for the college, said.
There is always an increase in motorcycle license during the riding season, Young said.
The class informs students about the dangers of riding a motorcycle and safety precautions that should be taken, student Austin Anderson said.
“I have a bike and I’ve been teaching myself but I want to learn the proper skills for riding a motorcycle,” Anderson said.
Green and orange cones were setup to help the students learn to maneuver the motorcycle and get comfortable riding.
“This is the first time some of them have ever ridden a motorcycle and it has been hard trying to keep them from looking down,” Bratton said.
Students want to look at everything on the bike and tend to look down instead of up at the road, Bratton said.
“I keep reminding them to look up and always pay attention to what’s in front,” Bratton said. “It’s like driving a car, you don’t look down, you look up.”
Many students enjoy not being confined to their vehicle and being able to ride freely.
“There’s more freedom when you’re on a motorcycle,” Coty Williams, motorcycle class student, said.
Like many of the other students she bought a motorcycle to save on gas money, but admits the view from behind a motorcycle is priceless.
Anderson appreciates that he can see and feel the road underneath him.
“There’s nothing between you and open road,” Anderson said. “It’s an adrenaline rush.”
Rubi Reyes is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact her at 361-580-6578 or rreyes@vicad.com or comment on this story at www.VictoriaAdvocate.com.
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY CLASS REQUIREMENTS AND COST
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Have the ability to ride and balance a bicycle.
Upon successful completion of the motorcycle safety class, the student will receive a MSB-8 Motorcycle Operator ...
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MOTORCYCLE SAFETY CLASS REQUIREMENTS AND COST
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Have the ability to ride and balance a bicycle.
Upon successful completion of the motorcycle safety class, the student will receive a MSB-8 Motorcycle Operator Training Course Completion card. When presented to the Texas Department of Public Safety, it should satisfy the riding portion of the test.
The course is $190.
In 2007, the DPS Motorcycle Safety Unit approved Victoria College as a Motorcycle Safety Program Sponsor. The college has 13 motorcycles provided by Texas DPS Motorcycle Safety Unit, Dale’s Fun Center of Victoria, and Bosart’s Polaris/Victoria Cycle Shop. Three classes will be offered in August. For more information contact Sherri Pall at 361-582-2590.
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