MCC-Maple Woods Motorcycle Safety Program now enrolling for spring classes

Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods is now enrolling for its 2008 motorcycle safety classes. The classes are available each weekend and on selected weekdays until the end of October and are taught by licensed Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructors. The three-day basic rider courses are $215 and registration may be completed online or over the phone. For more information, or to register, contact MCC-Maple Woods Community Education at (816) 604-3011 or visit http://www.mcckc.edu/mwcycle.

MCC-Maple Woods offers the courses in conjunction with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, a national non-profit organization designed to improve motorcycle rider education. Maple Woods is one of only three locations in the Kansas City metro area to offer both basic and advanced rider courses. Students encompass a wide range of ages from 16 on up and includes both males and females, making it one of Maple Woods’ most diverse programs.

“MCC-Maple Woods has been offering motorcycle safety classes for more than 15 years,” said Claudia Mekins, who works in the community education department and also is a licensed instructor for the program. “As the first permanent training site in the state of Missouri, we have a long history of training individuals to operate their motorcycles safely and efficiently. With more and more motorcycles on the streets today, the skills learned in this program help save lives.”

Over the course of three days, basic riders learn the rules of the road, including proper attire and safety equipment, and practice basic riding and maneuvers on a bike supplied by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The advanced rider course, for those who own a motorcycle and have at least one year of experience, focuses on trickier moves like high-speed braking and turning. An advanced rider course will be scheduled into the season if there is enough interest to fill a class. To inquire about advanced motorcycle training, contact the community education office at (816) 604-3011.

Once students have successfully completed both a written and practical test, they receive certificates of completion. The certificates can be presented to the Department of Motor Vehicles as a waiver for the driving portion of the licensing test.