OREGON: New motorcycle requirements to go into effect

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.kcby.com/news/local/111966294.html


New motorcycle requirements to go into effect....

By Brie Thiele, KCBY News
A training requirement will soon go into effect for Oregonians who want to obtain a motorcycle endorsement through the DMV.

The requirement starts January 1, 2011 and is mandated for new motorcyclists under the age of 30. The training is being phased in over the next few years for all new motorcycle riders, regardless of age.

The Oregon Department of Transportation says crash statistics show young motorcyclists who undergo training have fewer crashes because of it. And with new motorcycles more powerful than ever, safety should be a top priority.

"A lot of these bikes they're building today have bigger engines, more power, they're faster and with that comes more responsibility on the road," says Alan Pettit, owner of Highway 101 Harley Davidson in Coos Bay. "The new riders that come in obviously need training to prepare for the road."

Oregon is one of a handful of states that now requires motorcycle training due to senate bill 546, many states don't have any training.

The Senate Bill was passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2009 and requires all new motorcyclists by 2015, to take part in Team Oregon basic or intermediate rider training course.

We're told the courses take several hours over a weekend and teach riders what to do in an emergency, techniques when it comes to turning, and fundamental street riding skills and strategies.

"Some folks have motor skills that simply prevent them from riding on a bike, some folks have vertigo issues and it's unfortunate if they get that bike and they find those things out on the road," says Pettit, "that's the wrong time to find out that you have stability problems or that your legs may not be strong enough to handle a bike."

It's going to cost about $150 to take part in the training session and there's a Team Oregon office right here in Coos Bay. For more information, you can go to team-Oregon.org.