Bowling Green, Ky. - Approximately 160,000 licensed motorcyclists ride on Kentucky’s highways each year and the trend continues to grow. Gov. Ernie Fletcher and previous administrations have proclaimed the month of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month. This safety campaign promotes the safe operation of a motorcycle, increased rider training, improved licensing efforts and motorist awareness.

Per mile traveled, the number of deaths by motorcycles is about 26 times the number in cars, according to a 2003 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While motorcycle fatalities are up for all age groups, motorcyclists 40 and older account for an alarming number of motorcycle fatalities. In the last 10 years, motorcycle fatalities have increased nearly 250 percent in the 40-and-older age group, and more than 350 percent in the 50-and-older age group.

Successfully completing rider education and training gives motorcyclists the basic skills needed to ride safely. Western Kentucky University’s Department of Continuing Education has a limited number of openings in two motorcycle rider training courses. The Basic Rider Course and the Advanced Rider Course, offered through the Kentucky Motorcycle Program, are operated and maintained by the Traffic Safety Institute at Eastern Kentucky University and taught at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center on the WKU South Campus.

“The Basic Rider Course is a fundamentals class for new riders or experienced riders who would like to enhance their riding skills,” according to Sharon Woodward, Director of Continuing Education at WKU. “Cycle and classroom experiences introduce basic motorcycle operation to students and help to develop strategies.”

Participants must be 16 to enroll and must have written parental consent if under 18. Proper protective attire required. Motorcycles and helmets are provided for instruction. Successful completion leads to license skill test waiver and a possible insurance discount.

“The Basic Rider Course only takes 12 students at a time and fills up months in advance,” Woodward said. All Basic Rider Course classes meet from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Available dates for the BRC are Aug. 11-13, Sept. 8-10, Sept. 29- Oct. 1, Oct. 20-22, Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 3-5. The fee for this course is $110. This class is offered free to 16 and 17 year olds with a limit of two free slots per class.

The Experienced Rider Course is for the experienced rider who wants to refresh and practice street riding maneuvers. “This course is intended to help the very experienced rider hone riding skills and develop finesse. The ERC also emphasizes strategies to reduce risks. The ability to skillfully handle various riding situations is developed throughout the course and reinforced by specially designed on-cycle maneuvers,” Woodward said. The Experienced Rider Course meets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 3 and Oct. 14. The fee for this course is $65.
For information, contact Continuing Education at (270) 745-1910 or continuing.education@wku.edu.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

For information, contact Bill Oldham at (270) 745-1926.

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