Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
RIDER COACHES from The Motorcycle Foundation Dave Macomber and Janet Balyeat instruct their class on slow speed maneuvers at a Northern Michigan University sponsored safety course held at Gogebic Community College Saturday.
By BRYAN HELLIOS
bhellios@yourdailyglobe
Ironwood - Northern Michigan University sponsored an updated basic rider course hosted by The Motorcycle Safety Foundation at Gogebic Community College Saturday.
According to MSF's website, the popularity of motorcycle riding is increasing all over the country. The rider course offers riders of all skill levels "some of the most comprehensive training available anywhere." All MSF instructors are certified RiderCoaches and are experienced avid riders.
For those wanting to sign up for the next class, Janet Balyeat, RiderCoach said participants must register online at nmu.edu/motorcyclesafety.com and pass a three hour e-course to receive a certificate of completion. The certificate is needed in order to participate in the hands-on driving portion of the test. Motorcycles are provided, but all riders are required to wear protective clothing, including a helmet.
Balyeat said the program is recognized in numerous states and riders who complete the training receive a wavier.
"If your not from Michigan and you take it (the waver) to your local Department of Motor Vehicles," she said. "You don't have to take a road test."
Dave Macomber, another RiderCoach, said a coach must have their license for 2 years and log a certain number of hours riding.
"On our website it'll explain how to become a RiderCoach," he said. "Which is kinda nice because we are always looking for some good instructors."
NMU is one of 13 state sponsored regional training agencies providing the Michigan Rider Education Program in six locations throughout the west/central Upper Peninsula. Funding for the program is through a grant from the Michigan Department of State.
