this past weekend. This is a free program given by the police department here in NC. It's mirrored from the program that started in the UK. You can read all about it here
http://www.bikesafenc.com/index.lasso?fromTopNav=y&-session=bikesafe:18A34BF118db324FEEIom413A30C.
The class had 5 students (3 HD riders and 2 metric)
In a nutshell after some class room time that included introduction of instructors (all motorcycle police officers that volunteer to come in on there time). Also go over safety and distractions and real world issues. We also saw some Youtube clips of accidents too. After that we were broke down into pairs two students to 1 officer and went on a 45 min ride thru Durham and a little rural areas. We where followed by the officer as he was evaluating us, sometimes WE as riders think we are doing something right or perfect but another person might be able to see a way for you to improve on something.
I was pair with a gentleman that rode a 250 Kawasaki Ninja. He lead for 20 min and then I. After that we all met up at the mall and got feed back from our instructor. And then lunch.
After lunch we all rode as a group to the class for more class room discussion and planned for our 90min ride. This ride was alot more fun at least the last half., we went out of the city and went on some cool roads.... 85% twisties. They wanted to see if we were able to us the feedback they give us.
In the begining of the ride the 250 lead... and he stay about 5 miles per hour under the speed limit.... ??? .and on the twisties he kept the bike 100% perpendicular ..... not once did he lean soooooo that was a very boring follow the leader, he was way to slow. When it was my turn to lead, I had to keep slowing down for him to catch up....
Our evaluatar said to me that we are at the opposite ends of riding. He said I seemed very comfortable on my bike and really enjoyed the twisties. He recommended the I try to get closer to the white line on left handed twisties to see more around the blind corner...which I agreed with 100%.
I over heard the 250 rider tell the officer that this was the longest ride he has ever been on.....
After that we all got our last eval , certificate,vest and cap too.
All in all it is worth a day of your time. We got out of there around 5 PM.
Things I got from this class
1.T-CLOCS: I should be performing my pre-ride inspection as if I were expecting a motor officer to perform one on my bike (as they do at the beginning of the class).
2. The motor officers were watching for head checks, mirror checks, and other proof that we were actively updating our awareness, and I found that I was forcing myself to do this more often than I thought I would.. T-CLOCS: I should be performing my pre-ride inspection as if I were expecting a motor officer to perform one on my bike (as they do at the beginning of the class).
2. The motor officers were watching for head checks, mirror checks, and other proof that we were actively updating our awareness, and I found that I was forcing myself to do this more often than I thought I would.
3. I found myself in a few situations that could have been used as examples in the MSF BRC curriculum where a photo is flashed on the screen for a few seconds before the RiderCoach asks for a student's assessment. I also was able to watch the lead rider and motor officer react to the same types of situations. Although this is not much different from what we see on a normal solo ride or while anywhere behind the lead bike in a group ride, BikeSafe adds the benefit of a professional rider's critique of how one managed a particular situation or hazard.
I think that BikeSafe would make an excellent addition, "real world" follow-on to the MSF BRC course and a good refresher for any rider. I'd recommend the class to anyone who has it as an option.
The officers where very professional and approachable and had excellent suggestions.
As of early 2010, the following states are in the process of introducing BikeSafe programs:
Illinoiscontact the Illinois State Police
South Carolinacontact the South Carolina Highway Patrol
Marylandcontact the Anne Arundel County Police
Virginia (starting Nov. 2011)
contact the Spotsylvania County Sheriff
Here is my assessment
Assessor Evaluation of Student
Student: Ronald Thomas (NCDL:xxxxxx)
Event: Rider Skills Day Durham - District 5 Station 10/15/2011
Motor Officer: Ofc. Gabriel Munter
Site Coordinator: Sgt. Todd Willett
Key
1 = most desirable
4 = needs improvement
Evaluation Short Ride Long Ride
Comments
Motorcycle Control
Covers Acceleration, Braking, Clutch Control and Smoothness. 1 1
Hazard Management
Covers Observation, Planning, Approach Position, Safety Margin, Reaction
to Signs, Perception of Danger and Reaction to Danger. 1 1
Cornering
Covers Curve Assessment, Approach Position, Approach Speed and Safety Margin.
1 1
Overtaking
Covers Planning and Following Position.
n/a 1
Roadcraft
Covers Mirrors / Rear Obstacles, Use of Signals and Attitude.
2 1
Here goes some pics.
Cheers Ron
