MADISON, Wis. — The number of people with motorcycle licenses in Wisconsin has been slowly increasing over the years.
With that has come a slight increase in motorcycle crashes and injuries, according to data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Mike Courtney is a motorcycle instructor at Madison College. He said the best way to stay safe on the road is to take motorcycle safety courses, such as the ones offered at Madison College.
“We will show you, if you have skills or don’t have skills, how to do that,” said Courtney.
He said while courses like this one are not required to get your license, there is something important to know.
“However, there is a stipulation. If you go take your written permit test after the third time it has expired, you will have to see us, and then it is required,” said Courtney.
Courtney said by teaching things like crossing over obstacles, executing quicker stops and going around corners, a course like this one can help keep motorcyclists safe on the road.
“I would like to see everyone take this course because after you leave, you can see a lot more of the potential hazards that are out there,” said Courtney.
Hunter Carr took the safety course with his friend Alec Hull.
Carr said he is more of a hands-on learner and wanted to be as safe as possible before he starts to ride.
“I have seen some really nasty stuff happen on motorcycles and bikes. So, I wanted to take all of the precautions, make sure I am doing everything right,” said Carr.
Hull said he had been learning to ride on his own prior to taking the course. He said he had developed some bad habits, and this training helped him get rid of those.
“Covering the clutch and the break when I was not supposed to be was something I did all the time and just little things like, just breaking those bad habits, I think, was one of the most valuable pieces for sure,” said Hull.
The motorcycle safety course taught at the college provides riders with bikes to use throughout the course. The course is also open to the public. You do not have to be a college student to take the course.