As new driving pad opens, BCCC to start offering motorcycle safety class to public

While the purpose of Beaufort County Community College’s new Public Services Driving Pad is to train first responders and law enforcement officers, area residents will also benefit from new motorcycle safety classes that will be offered in spring of 2020. Residents can sign up now for any of the three classes, the first of which will run in March.

The college is excited to start offering Motorcycle Safety: Basic Rider Course to area motorcycle riders, or those thinking about starting to ride a motorcycle, who will be among the first participants to experience the new Public Services Driving Pad. Through the 20-hour course, students will learn the safe driving skills needed for operating a motorcycle in traffic.

“While this driving pad is going to benefit our service area through better training for our law enforcement officers and first responders, these motorcycle safety classes will be a more direct way for our area residents to experience and benefit from this new facility,” said Clay Carter, Director of Personal Enrichment for BCCC. “Motorcyclists will no longer have to travel some distance to receive this certification, so this will make these important safety classes far more accessible.”

The class will provide motorcycles, helmets and training manuals. Participants must wear an approved helmet, over-the-ankle footwear, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, full-fingered gloves, and protective eye wear at all times while training. Successful completion of the course achieves a skills waiver card for the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. The size of the class will be limited to insure personal instruction, and classes will operate rain or shine.

The first session will take place on March 14-15, the second class will take place on April 25-25, and a final spring class will take place on May 16-17. All classes will be held on weekends.

Participants must complete a mandatory free e-course provided by the N.C. Motorcycle Safety Foundation before the start of class. The class coordinator will contact students with e-learning login information 2 weeks prior to class. Help is available through the college for those who need assistance with the online component. A copy of the e-course Certificate of Completion must be presented to the instructor on the first day of class. Participation without this certificate is not allowed, and refunds are not given for lack of completion.

The college anticipates making these classes part of its regular personal enrichment programming line-up.

Please contact Clay Carter at 252-940-6357 or clay.carter@beaufortccc.edu for more information.