Corbett Asks for Motorcycle Safety

Warm weather brings us nicer days at the park, the season's sports and longer days of sunshine. With them also comes an increase of another sight and sound of spring.

Motorcycles are out more than ever, as clear weather is a welcome mat for area riders.

"With the increasing popularity of motorcycling in Pennsylvania, Governor Tom Corbett has signed a proclamation commemorating May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month," said Jan McKnight, of PA Internet News Service in a recent release.

To bring the issue of such safety measures more into the Commonwealth's citizens' eyes, the governor's Act, which was passed in 2012, reminds drivers to be careful.

"Motorcycle safety was emphasized with Corbett's signing of Act 84 of 2012, which requires motorcycle permit holders under 18 years old to take and successfully complete the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program's (PAMSP) Basic Rider Course (BRC) in order to receive their license," said McKnight.

The goal of the BRC, according to the program's website, is "to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of safe, responsible motorcycling."

"The BRC is designed to prepare riders for entry into the complex world of traffic," explained the site. "It consists of classroom and on-cycle instruction, and includes a variety of learning activities."

The entire BRC is designed to last only about 15 hours, but can greatly increase the safety of new riders.

"Classroom experiences consist of five hours of Rider Coach-led discussions and the utilization of interactive multimedia," said the BRC site. "On-cycle instruction is conducted on a paved area away from the street. The riding portion of the curriculum consists of approximately ten hours of instruction."

New riders must pass the course, and will be forced to take an exam, much like that of a new driver of a car.

"Evaluation for the BRC consists of a written, multiple choice knowledge test and an end-of-course skills test," said the site.

For more information on the BRC program, view the video from Gov. Corbett or click on the BRC Web site here.