Safety First!

By Chad Petri Reporter
Published: Tue, April 29, 2008 - 5:00 am Last Updated: Thu, July 31, 2008 - 1:48 am
Short URL: http://wkrg.com/a/13298/
Chad Petri
Chad Petri
Motorcycle safety certification teaches you riding from the ground up - first you need proper attire like a helmet.

“You don't have roll cages and crash bars airbags, so you need to gear up each time you get on your bike,” says instructor Larry Cooper.

A long sleeved t-shirt, jeans and glove completes the first step of training.

“It should be taken just for safety because there are things you can learn that you would otherwise learn the hard way,” says Cooper.

I practice balancing the bike and walking with it seems simple enough.

“There are very few people that cannot ride a bike it's all mental,” says 16 year veteran rider Carolyn Kenfeld.

Through numerous failed starts, this isn't as easy as riding a bike and way different than a car. My mediocre performance aside, a bike can be dangerous if not used properly. The course teaches turns, balance and what to do in traffic to be safe. With certification you can knock an average of 10-percent off your motorcycle insurance bill. You'll ride better but won't look better.

“What can be done to cure helmet hair,” asks Kenfeld?

Eastern Shore Harley Davidson in Daphne is one place with an asphalt track in the back to teach rider safety certification.  News 5’s Chad Petri has never been on a motorcycle before.  Riders need to learn the rules of the road and bike.

Enlarge Video    Download Video    Video RSS
Embed:
Translate: » Spanish | French | German | Italian | Japanese | Chinese | Russian | Hindi

Whoooooooooo cares about helmet hair????  I always look good when riding my scoot.  NO to shorts and tank tops. Everyone seems to forget the number 1 cardinal rule.  RIDE LIKE THE OTHER GUY IS GOING TO HIT YOU!!!  Works every time.

Report Abuse

I think that when I have all of my gear on I look good, I also look very smart. I always wear my helmet, gloves, Rocket jacket with padding, thick jeans, and boots. I hate seeing “squids” ridding around with runninng shorts a t-shirt and sandals on.
I hope that other riders don’t have the same attitude Chad has, more worried about vanity that safety!

Report Abuse

Yep! And believe me I learned the hard way. A motorcycle is good on the gas but hard on the A—.

Report Abuse

Forget the hair. If you ride a motorcycle, you better worry about your derriere.

Report Abuse

Recently Commented On

Palin Resigning From Office

58 Total Comments
Palin Resigning From Office Gov. Sarah Palin says she is stepping down from office.… more »

Mother Who Left Baby In Hot…

39 Total Comments
Mother Who Left Baby In Hot Car Will Not Be Charged Gulf Shores police say a mother accidently left her 3 month… more »

Home For Independence Day

4 Total Comments
Home For Independence Day An Army Specialist on a tour of duty in Afghanistan comes… more »

Woman’s Baby Boy Found…

4 Total Comments
Woman’s Baby Boy Found Wandering The Streets A taxi driver found Sarah Miller's 2-year-old boy wandering… more »

Suspect Shot After Trying To…

97 Total Comments
Suspect Shot After Trying To Tase Police Officer District Attorney John Tyson says a Mobile police officer… more »