As favorable weather encourages more motorcyclists to take road trips, police are offering a training course to help those excursions end well.
The Springfield Police Department announced its Share the Road civilian motorcycle course will be held Saturday, May 18, at Dan Kinney Family Center, located at 2701 S. Blackman Road.
The course emphasizes tools and strategies to encourage safer rides. Motorcyclists will learn advanced riding techniques, motorcycle handling, object avoidance and other skills. The one-day course is available for free, and is held in an effort to help reduce the number of motorcycle crashes.
Interested participants must have the following equipment and qualifications:
- A valid motorcycle endorsement. A permit will not meet the qualifications.
- A motorcycle (250cc or greater, no three-wheel variety). All motorcycles must have legal exhaust and legal handlebars (i.e., no “ape hangers”), and must be street legal and subject to inspection.
- Motorcycle insurance.
- A legal DOT approved helmet.
- Eye protection.
- Footwear that covers the ankles.
- Proper motorcycle attire.
- Optional equipment — armored or padded motorcycle gear.
- Signed liability waiver.
People interested in taking the course must fill out an interest application by noon Thursday, May 16. Questions can be answered by emailing sharetheroad@springfieldmo.gov.