Troopers offering free motorcycle safety courses

Area motorcyclists have an opportunity to learn how to cut their risk of having a serious crash and could earn an insurance premium discount Saturday by taking the free Oklahoma Highway Patrol Motorcycle Safety Course On Advanced Collision Avoidance.

Troopers Dave Cravens and Steven Johnson, who serve with OHP Troop MC (motorcycle) , will be two of the instructors for the class which will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of Lone Grove High School, located at 6218 Meridian Road.

The course is sponsored through a partnership between OHP and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

"Due to the increase in gas prices there is an increase use in motorcycles and with that increased use there has been an increase in accidents," Cravens said.

What's important about the course? It's designed to reduce crashes through improved skills.

"And it's free," Cravens said. "Riders are always asking, 'Well, how much does it cost?' It doesn't cost anything."

While the course is for advanced riders, Craves and Johnson said the class isn't limited to specific type of motorcycle.

"The course is for all ages and all kinds of bikes including trikes and scooters," Johnson said.

Course topics will include:

n How to pickup a bike up

n Clutch and throttle techniques

n Breaking skills (the most common causes of crashes)

n Evasive maneuvering

The course includes approximately one hour of classroom instruction.

"But the classroom instruction is broken up throughout the day. Riders can expect to spend most of the day on their bikes," Cravens said.

Those who complete the course will receive a certification of completion. Cravens and Johnson said depending on each riders insurance company the certificate could earn them a discount on their premium.

Requirements for participation include:

n Must present driver's license

n Must present "M" (motorcycle) endorsement

n Must present insurance verification

n Own your own bike

n Wear long pants, gloves, eye protections, above ankle boots, long sleeve shirt and helmet

n Bring a sack lunch

The course is limited to 30 students. Those wishing to participate must enroll online at www.ohpsaferiders.com and clicking on "classes" located at the top of the screen. If the course is cancelled due to inclement weather, students will receive an email informing them of the cancellation.

Cravens and Johnson said no passenger riders will be allowed throughout the day-long class. However, spectators are welcome.