BRC Description:
Made for people with NO experience riding a motorcycle… and for those who haven’t ridden recently and want to get back into this fun and exciting sport. RidingSafety provides the motorcycle and a safe learning environment. All you need is a desire to find out what all the fun is about!
LOCATION: Friday night check-in is at LSU -Shreveport Campus, One University Place, Shreveport, LA 71115. (see confirmation email for building & room location)
Riding Range Location: Louisiana State Fair Grounds, 1000 Pershing Blvd., Shreveport, LA
BRC FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
The questions below are asked all the time. Click on a question to see the answer. If you don’t see your question, please use this “Email” link to ask it.
1 & 1a) I’ve NEVER ridden a motorcycle, can you really teach me to ride?
2) Do you provide the motorcycles for training?
3) Is there anything I can do to prepare for the course?
4) I’m not sure if motorcycling is right for me. Can I still attend?
5) [Common questions from ladies] If I attend, will I be the only female there?
6) I am short, will that be a problem?
7) What do I need to bring to class?
8) What is the class schedule?
9) What is the pass rate?
10) Will taking this course get me a motorcycle license?
11) I own a motorcycle, can I ride it instead of your training motorcycles?
12) What does it cost?
13) What is the minimum age? [and additional requirement for minors]
14) What are the class dates?
15) How do I register for a class?
1) Can you really teach me to ride? Yes. You want to learn, and we want to teach you — it is the perfect combination. Now you have to bring a couple things to the party — some physical skills (like being able to balance and ride a bicycle), and some mental ability (if you cannot follow instructions, how can you learn anything?). WE (you and RidingSafety’s Coaches) can do this. Return to top
1a) Someone tried to show me how to ride and couldn’t, why should it be any different with you? We are professionals — there really are things that shouldn’t be tried at home! Just because someone knows how to ride does not necessarily mean they can teach those skills to anyone else — experience may be a good teacher, but not all experienced riders can teach. RidingSafety uses the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s training program, and has more years teaching this material than any other program in the State. Leave this training to professionals who incorporate riding safety with riding skills, turning out smarter, more capable riders. Return to top
2) Do you provide the motorcycles for training? Yes, RidingSafety has a training motorcycle for you. We will help you pick your bike Saturday morning and ride that bike all weekend long. You will gain confidence as you make your bike respond to your commands. We’ve had riders ask if they can buy their bike at the end of the course! Sorry, cannot do that… otherwise there wouldn’t be any bikes left!!!.
What will you ride? A 2019 or 2020 Honda Rebel 300 or CBR 300. These bike are modern and lightweight. With limited horsepower, adjusted sitting height, fuel injected, and logical control placement it makes this a premiere training motorcycle. It is easy to transition from these bikes to any street bike you decide to buy — from low slung cruisers to high end sports bikes. The techniques and riding skills you learn in the class applies to any bike you will ever ride. Return to top
3) Is there anything I can do to prepare for the course? Yes, a few things, like:
- Ride a bicycle around the block a couple times — it can help get your two-wheel sense of balance back. It is actually harder to ride a bicycle than a motorcycle because a motorcycle has more gyroscopic-effect once it gets moving… but it is that “getting the motorcycle moving” part that requires a sense of balance and a bicycle ride around the block can help get that feeling back quicker.
- Read the “Release, Waiver and Indemnification form” and the “Training Rules” forms before class so we can use our valuable class time DOING things instead of READING forms.
- You will complete the self-paced Computer Based Training (CBT) MSF cCourse so you come to the first night of class ready to DISCUSS motorcycling instead of just LISTENING about it.
- For those who really want to go over-the-top, a link is provided to the course Workbook at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s website — but if you really want to read something, read the Louisiana Motorcycle Operator’s Manual so you are ready to take the State’s written test and get your endorsement immediately after you graduate! Return to top
4) I’m not sure if I’ll buy a motorcycle, but I’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to ride one. Can I still attend? YES — TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT!!! Motorcycling is an expensive sport. The best way to get involved is taking a training program first. Then you’ll know if motorcycling is right for you. If it isn’t, you’ll know before you’ve spent a lot of money on a machine you don’t want! On the other hand if you, like the vast majority of our graduates, see what all the fun is about, you’ll know how to ride (safely); you’ll have a better idea of what TYPE of motorcycle you should buy (do you know the different types of bikes? No? You would if were trained!); and finally, you’ll know what kind of gear to buy to go along with that expensive toy! No matter what, whether you buy a motorcycle or not, you’ll have an experience to brag about to your friends! Return to top
5) [Common questions from ladies] If I attend, will I be the only female there? No. Many classes are half women. Women constitute one of the fastest growing segments in motorcycling, and know training makes a difference. Return to top
6) I am short, will that be a problem? No. When street-riding the goal is to ride with your feet on the pegs, not on the ground… but I know the initial concern is just being able to reach the ground and balance the bike without falling over. The shortest person to take the course so far was 4’ 6”. Had no prior experience, had no problem, passed easily. Heart and desire are more important than height. Return to top
7) What do I need to bring to class? You can print the BRC What to Bring Checklist and you’ll have everything you need. But as long as you asked:
- First night of class — bring your eCourse certificate, your MSF covid waiver and a pen or pencil. Everything else you need is provided for you –(The e-course has a link for the rider handbook )
- For the weekend — you’ll need the items listed below. PLEASE DO NOT BUY ANY MOTORCYCLING GEAR UNTIL AFTER YOU GRADUATE. We will discuss riding gear in class and you will see the importance of fit and function. THEN you’ll buy the right gear because you are armed with good information.
Weekend riding gear:
- Helmet — minimum of DOT (Department of Transportation) approved — check back of helmet for DOT initials. [RidingSafety’s Sponsors provide a number of training helmets, but we appreciate students who can borrow a helmet for the weekend to ensure enough for those without riding acquaintances.]
- Eye protection — goggles, face shields, or impact resistant prescription glasses are authorized. [Face shields/sunglasses cannot be so dark as to prevent coaches from seeing your eyes – no blackened lenses]
- Long sleeves — shirt and/or jacket
- Full fingered gloves — anything comfortable and flexible gloves will work — tight gloves don’t.
- Long pants — no flared bottoms or cuffs to get caught on pegs or controls. No torn pants-even if you paid extra for it.
- Ankle protecting footwear — boots
- Rain gear — we ride, rain or shine, but if it rains, you must have a 2 piece rain suit. A $21 plastic suit from any local discount store will suffice for our training purposes
Other items you’ll need to bring:
- eCourse completion certificate. Be sure not to complete the eCourse more than 30 days before class.
- MSF COVID waiver -completed (you will find it attached to confirmation email)
- Snacks –You would be surprised the amount of calories you burn in motorcycling. (have some snacks in your pocket)
- (OPTIONAL) Creature comforts: mosquito repellent [in season] and sun protection: sunscreen, umbrella, brimmed hat, etc, are a good idea. Not much shade in an open parking area
Want a printable checklist so you can ensure you have everything? Click this link and you’ll have one: What to Bring Checklist. Return to top
8) What is the class schedule? The first class meeting is usually on a Thursday or Friday night at G&C Honda going at 5:30-7:30 PM. On Saturday and Sunday we meet at Riding Range at 7:30 AM… usually finishing around 6:00 PM on Saturday, a little earlier on Sunday. Be flexible, times are subject to change. NOTE FROM PREVIOUS GRADUATES: don’t make any major activity plans for Friday or Saturday night, you will be physically and mentally tired, but will have had a great time and look forward to Sunday. This link will take you to the Schedule page. Return to top
9) What is the pass rate? 96% out of over 8600 students trained. It is a statistic RidingSafety’s RiderCoaches are proud of because it reflects patients, professionalism, experience, educational skill, and the ability to communicate. We cannot teach everyone to ride, but if you come with a motivated attitude, we will do everything within our power to help you succeed. Read what previous graduates thought of the course. Feedback
Return to top
10) Will taking this course get me a motorcycle license? Yes it will waive the riding portion as of 8/2022. It will also prepare you for the OMV written exam. You will not need a motorcycle at the Office of Motor Vehicle. Another benefit: send a copy of your Completion Card and motorcycle endorsement to your motorcycle insurer and you may receive a discount on your insurance after receiving this training. Return to top
11) I own a motorcycle, can I ride it instead of using your training motorcycle? There are a few reasons why we do not want you to use your motorcycle. Our main reason is because if something mechanically happens to your motorcycle, you are out of the class. In the past riders have attended this course who own their own motorcycles and most think it is better to learn on the training bikes and then perfect the techniques on their bike later — but the option exists at the RiderCoach’s discretion. If the RiderCoach accepts a scooter in class, scooter riders will ride their scooter during applicable range exercises (not all exercises are practical on a scooter). Return to top
12) What does it cost? The course cost is $259. That is for approx 22 hours of instruction, classroom supplies, workbook, e-course charges, and use of a training motorcycle for a weekend — what a deal!!! This is the best money you will ever spend motorcycling — ask your cycling buddies who have gone down what it cost them in bodily injury, ambulance ride and bike repairs! Get trained and stop the motorcycling carnage.
Check out how you can get your BRC tuition fee reimbursed via the Dealership Training Assistance Program (DTAP). If you qualify, this training is free! Return to top
13) Minimum age (and other requirements for minors). The minimum age is 15 AND must have a valid drivers license. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a guardian sign a waiver before the minor can attend. The guardian should plan on attending the first night of class to sign the waiver… and is welcome to stay and observe the Friday night class, or not. 2011 Louisiana Laws Revised Statutes An applicant must possess a valid Louisiana driver license or learner permit. Learner’s Permit – If the applicant is fifteen (15) or sixteen (16) years of age, he/she is restricted to driving within a distance of three miles from his residence, unless a parent, tutor, or other person having custody is temporarily staying or residing at another location, where the applicant would be restricted to within three miles of that location. So,
you can get a MC end. on a permit at 15 or 16, there is a 3 mile restriction from home. . Return to top
14) What are the class dates? Check our Schedule webpage for the most current and accurate scheduling information. If you have any questions please send us a message (see the Questions link below) Return to top
15) How do I register for a class? The schedule is shown on the website and on-line registration is available (and encouraged).
Ready to pay & register for a class?
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SCHEDULE & PAY
Hopefully the information above answered your question, but if not, use the QUESTION page to write your question, and an answer will be forthcoming.