HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation, Education and Insurance, the Pennsylvania State Police and safety advocates joined forces recently to highlight efforts to improve motorcycle safety and promote rider training for all ages.

Free motorcycle safety training has been available through PennDOT’s Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) for 40 years.

“The lessons learned through PAMSP courses provide riders with important training to mitigate crashes and reinforce the message for all motorists and riders to share the road safely,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Drivers and riders alike should remember to stay aware while driving or riding, obeying speed limits and being responsible while operating any vehicle.”

In a bold move to enhance student safety on the roadways, Northeastern High School in Manchester, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and PAMSP, now offers the Basic Rider Course to students in spring and fall classes. They can earn credits toward graduation while learning how to operate a motorcycle safely and responsibly. To date, 21 students have successfully completed the Basic Rider Course at Northeastern, with more students interested in next year’s courses.

“We are proud of our budding motorcycle program for the students at Northeastern High School and hope to continue the effort to better prepare them for a safer future operating a motorcycle,” said Dr. Jason M. Bottiglieri, Northeastern School District superintendent. “We are confident that teaching our students good riding habits early on will help save lives.”

“We applaud the efforts of our individual schools and our school districts in providing meaningful and life-changing educational opportunities to our young citizens,” said PA Department of Education Deputy Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education Amy Lena. “Anytime we can promote safety and teach a valuable life skill to our students, it’s a win-win.”

There were 3,292 crashes involving motorcycles on Pennsylvania roadways in 2024, resulting in 219 fatalities. Crashes fell from the 2023 number of 3,424, while fatalities also fell from 238 in 2023.

“Enjoy Pennsylvania’s roadways on your motorcycle, and share the roadways responsibly and safely,” said Maj. Robert Krol, director of the Bureau of Patrol for the Pennsylvania State Police. “Never ride while impaired or distracted. Ride defensively and don’t hesitate to seek basic or advanced training to keep your skills sharp.”

Through PAMSP, Pennsylvania residents with a motorcycle permit or license can earn a motorcycle license or refresh their skills through a variety of training courses, regardless of experience. The courses include: the Basic Rider Course (BRC); the Intermediate Rider Course (IRC); the Advanced Rider Course (ARC); and the 3-Wheeled Motorcycle Basic Rider Course (3WBRC). Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT Driver License Center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license. Motorcycle permit holders who complete a 3-wheel basic course will earn a motorcycle license with restriction prohibiting the operation of a 2-wheel motorcycle.

Classes can be scheduled at multiple training sites throughout Pennsylvania. Class schedules are coordinated by each third-party training provider for their individual locations. Additional information can be found at penndot.pa.gov/PAMSP. PennDOT anticipates additional training sites will become available during the riding season, and customers are encouraged to check PennDOT’s website for updated class offerings. Schools or school districts interested in starting a motorcycle training program should contact PAMSP for more information.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) reminds riders that they must have insurance to drive a motorcycle in the commonwealth. Pennsylvania’s motorcycle insurance market is competitive, and many insurers offer discounts for motorcyclists who complete safety courses, have memberships in certain associations, or have safe driving records. Insurers also offer discounts for “bundling,” also known as buying multiple policies. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to discuss available discount options with their insurer.

“The commonwealth is a wonderful place in which to ride. Motorcyclists don’t just have a passion for their bikes – it’s a way of life,” said Shannen Logue, PID deputy commissioner for product regulation. “We want motorcyclists to take the available safety courses and follow safety guidelines, so that they can continue to enjoy the beautiful roadways in Pennsylvania while staying safe. And, riding safely may also help reduce your insurance cost.”