The California Highway Patrol and the California Motorcyclist Safety Program want to make sure that motorcyclists set themselves up for safety before hitting the road.

What is the attraction surrounding motorcycles? Why are so many people mesmerized by them?

Some riders say it’s the freedom of feeling the breeze in their face. Others are allured by boots, leather pants, and various accessories. For the everyday commuter who lives in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, it may be for the simple ability to maneuver through gridlock traffic. Yet, most motorcycle riders will tell you it is the satisfaction of “Wind Therapy”- just you, the bike, and the open road.

Riding a motorcycle is no joke. Think about this- As of 2015, there were 862,705 motorcycles registered in the State of California. Of those motorcycles, 31,790 (3.7%) were involved in a collision with injuries, and of those, 1,224 (3.9%) riders lost their life.

Ensure that you understand basic two-wheeled vehicle dynamics, recognize when to utilize emergency braking and evasive maneuvers, and always remember to wear your safety equipment.

This summer, before jumping on a motorcycle for the first time, we ask you to please consider taking the California Motorcyclist Safety Program Training Course. This class will provide you with the fundamental skills that are required when operating a motorcycle.
This course is based on the most current research in rider safety, and includes topics such as proper cornering strategies and emergency crash avoidance skills.

If you already have your own motorcycle, and are an experienced rider, consider the Refresher Training for Experienced Riders course; a four-hour riding class on your own motorcycle, provided by Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic.

Bikers have been known to say, “I don’t ride a bike to add days to my life; I ride a bike to add life to my days.” However you choose to enjoy your own “Wind Therapy”, make sure you do it after good training, practice and mental preparation.