If you'd always hoped to learn to ride a motorcycle, there’s never been a better time to enroll in the Connecticut Motorcycle Rider Education Program’s Basic Rider Course at Gateway Community College (GCC). With motorcycle use on the rise in the U.S. (particularly among women, men 50 and over) and gas costs on the rise as well, people are finding that motorcycles are a great alternative to cars.

Courses begin June 3 and run throughout the summer at Gateway’s North Haven Campus. Cost for the course is $200. As exhilarating as riding a motorcycle is, it’s challenging as well. Safety is paramount. The basic rider course offers expert instruction in basics like turning, shifting and braking and also includes instruction on driving in traffic and on the responsibilities that come with riding a motorcycle. It also features more advanced street-riding techniques.

The course consists of 20 hours of classroom and on-cycle instruction. Motorcycles and helmets are provided. You are out on the bikes in all kinds of weather, so bring rain gear and warm clothes. 

A few key facts about the course:

• Learning requires alertness and some physical activity – so you are encouraged to get to class well rested!
• Motorcycling requires a great deal of hand-eye coordination and a strong sense of balance.
• Operating any vehicle brings responsibility and risk.
• Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and classes fill very fast. Sign up today!
• You must attend and participate in all sessions in sequence, without exception. If not, you have to register for another course, pay again and start from the beginning.
• It’s best to register in person at the GREAT Center, GCC, 20 Church Street, New Haven.

For more information call 203-285-2300.

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, cyclists travelled an estimated 29 billion miles on motorcycles in a single year. Get ready to join them!