Kent State University will offer Motorcycle Ohio rider safety courses at both Kent State University at Trumbull and Kent State University at Salem beginning the first weekend in April. The courses are offered in partnership with the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

The programs are designed to improve rider safety and will focus on the "Ride SMART" theme of drivers being "Sober, Motorcycle endorsed, Alert, having the Right gear and being properly Trained." Trumbull County recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes in 2010, 45 percent of which were motorcycle-related.

The Basic Rider Course is recommended for beginning riders. If a motorcycle operator has already begun to ride but has never taken a safety course, the course also includes many tips and practice exercises for those with intermediate skills, regardless of how many years or miles have been ridden.

This 16-hour course consists of four hours of classroom instruction, which are offered Friday evenings from 6 – 10 p.m., and 12 hours of range instruction, which are conducted Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. The course will be available at both campuses with classes beginning the weekend of April 1 and continuing through the weekend of Oct. 2.

For those completing the course, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will waive the skill test for motorcycle endorsement on an operator's driver's license. Ohio law requires this class for riders that are 15½ to 17 years of age.

Classes will fill quickly, so early registration is suggested. The cost is $25 per person, and those interested must register online at www.motorcycle.ohio.gov .

Note: All students must have a validated temporary motorcycle learner's permit (TIPIC) or a valid motorcycle endorsement. Motorcycles and helmets will be provided for participants.

For additional information, call the Ohio Department of Public Safety at 800-837-4337, or contact Lisa Goetsch at 330-675-8830 or lgoetsch@kent.edu .