LIVONIA, MI – One out of every nine U.S. road fatalities reported last year involved motorcycle riders. The steady increase in fatalities over the past decade represents one of our Nation’s greatest highway safety challenges.

In response, the Continuing Education and Professional Development department of Schoolcraft College is continuing to offer its popular motorcycle safety classes through the Detroit Metro Motorcycle Safety Consortium. The motorcycle safety program offers a variety of courses including: the Basic Rider Course which is for someone who has minimal knowledge/experience and is looking to get their motorcycle endorsement; the Three-Wheel Basic Rider Course for the novice three-wheeler fan; the Performance Based Course for the experienced but unlicensed rider who wants to get an endorsement; and the Advanced Rider Course for licensed, experienced riders wanting to enhance their basic skills and improve crash avoidance. 

“These safety courses are taught by certified, professional RiderCoaches that teach from a nationally proven curriculum.  Our students really get the hands-on training they need to ride safely,” says Jennifer Bodurka, Program Coordinator. 

Upon successful completion of a State approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, the Secretary of State will waive the riding skills test required for a cycle endorsement. However, a short written test required for license endorsement will be given at the Secretary of State at the time of endorsement application.

The fee for these courses is $25 each which is made possible through a grant administered by the Michigan Department of State. Since the motorcycle safety consortium of community colleges was formed in 1999, the program has trained over 46,000 students. The Consortium includes Schoolcraft College, Henry Ford Community College, Macomb Community College, Monroe County Community College, Oakland Community College, St. Clair County Community College and Wayne County Community College District.

Registration is underway for the 2011 season and courses run through September.  For more information on the Motorcycle Safety Program visit www.schoolcraft.edu/cepd/motorcycle/ or call 734-462-4448.

Schoolcraft College is a public two-year college, offering classes at the main campus in Livonia, Haggerty Road between Six and Seven Mile Roads; at the Radcliff Center in Garden City; and online at www.schoolcraft.edu.