Motorcycling can be a rewarding mode of transportation, both for the excitement and the money saved on gasoline, and many people in Trenton are attracted to these vehicles. Before taking your first ride, it’s a good idea to sign up for motorcycle safety courses. Motorcycle beginner courses can improve a new rider’s skills and help save money through waivers and discounts. They’ll also introduce new riders to the many safety laws governing motorcycles in New Jersey.
Benefits of Beginner Motorcycle Courses
Motorcycle safety courses cover the basics of riding a motorcycle, including:
- the mechanics of the bike;
- swerving;
- strategies for defensive driving;
- weaving;
- stopping;
- turns;
- handling obstacles; and
- taking curves.
Motorcycle beginner courses also teach all about safety gear and helmets. Studies have shown the safety benefits of training courses. NJRideSafe.org claims that 90 percent of motorcycle accidents involve untrained riders. Taking a motorcycle beginning course can lead to less severe accidents and injuries for riders.
In New Jersey, riders are eligible for road test waivers after successful completion of a basic or intermediate rider course. This helps them obtain their motorcycle licenses with less hassle. Insurance companies also offer discounts, sometimes up to 10 percent, for rider course completion.
Because many motorcycle manufacturers have a stake in rider safety, they sometimes offer discounts on their bikes for riders who finish the courses. Below is a list of some bike manufacturers that have discounts on their bikes for completing motorcycle safety courses:
- Harley Davidson;
- Honda;
- Kawasaki; and
- Yamaha.
Finally, another benefit of a motorcycle beginner course is that it’s a good way for new riders to figure out if they want a motorcycle before making a purchase. The classes usually last approximately 16 hours and give the students a good introduction to riding.
How to Find Motorcycle Courses in New Jersey
The State of New Jersey partnered with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to design course materials. In order to find the location of the nearest approved course provider in the state, you can call 609-633-9308. For the beginning rider courses, you’ll need to bring proper riding gear, but the instructor will provide the bike and helmet. Intermediate and advanced courses require the student to use their own bike and helmet. When buying a helmet look for DOT certification and a good fit.
Below is a list of the necessary safety gear:
- long pants;
- full-fingered gloves;
- high ankle boots;
- jacket (no rips or tears); and
- rain gear (if necessary).
It’s a good idea to use tough clothing like leather or nylon in case you fall off your bike during the course. The material will prevent road rash in many cases.
Motorcycles and the Law
New Jersey requires that all motorcycle riders use a helmet when they ride. The helmet needs to meet Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards, and you can tell this by looking for the DOT sticker on the helmet.
Some of the other New Jersey regulations include:
- the bike’s handlebars cannot be above shoulder height;
- there needs to be either a left or right rearview mirror; and
- the bike must have seats and foot rests for passengers to ride.
The state requires $15,000 for individual and $30,000 for groups in liability insurance, along with $5,000 in product damage liability for motorcycles.
If you’re in an accident, it’s a good idea to gather the accident report, other motorists’ contact and insurance information, witness contact information, and accident scene photos as evidence. Your motorcycle accident lawyer at Cordisco & Saile will be able to help you gather these materials. While one doesn’t need a specific motorcycle accident attorney for representation after a crash, there are benefits of hiring an experienced motorcycle crash lawyer. Call for a free consultation with our motorcycle wreck attorneys today: 215-642-2335.
