When done safely, riding a motorcycle can be an extremely enjoyable and rewarding hobby as well as an excellent form of transportation. Bikes are ridden year-round in Florida, and because it’s so common here, many bikers consider themselves experts. But but as true experts know, there is always more to learn.
Motorcycle safety classes aren’t just for beginners. While it’s true that new riders need to learn how to start a bike, turn, and shift gears, there is a lot more to riding a motorcycle than being able to turn it on and point it in the right direction.
Intermediate and advanced classes focus on higher-level skills such as:
- Corner entry
- Corner exit
- Line selection
- Braking
- Swerving
- Limited-space maneuvers
- Identifying collision traps
- Evasive maneuvers
- Speed shifting
- Body position
- Risk management
- Self-assessment
Advanced classes are often focused on changing the way you think about your bike and the road so you make smarter decisions when you’re riding. Classes are often taught by racers, bike testers and other people who take biking seriously.
There are a variety of programs across the state offering courses at all skill and experience levels. These courses can last anywhere from a few hours to two days, depending on how much you want to learn. A list of available classes is provided on the website of the Florida Rider Training Program, part of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
In addition to making your rides safer and more enjoyable, completion of certain courses may also lead to a reduction in your insurance costs.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a motorcycle wreck, contact the personal injury attorneys at the Bradenton firm of Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh to learn your rights.