New motorcyclists would be required to take a training course in order
to be licensed if a new law passes in Connecticut.
(Photo: Ken Bingenheimer)
A bill before the Connecticut legislature would mandate that new motorcyclists take a beginning rider course in order to be licensed. The bill has passed both houses of the legislature but must now be approved again in the Senate because of one change made by the House.
Approved by the House 117 to 31 on Monday, the bill would require new riders to take a $200 course, providing that federal funding is available to help defray some of the costs of the training. Some legislators have opposed the bill, citing their concerns that providing the expanded training opportunities will cost the state as much as $100,000.
Motorcyclists in Connecticut are divided in support or opposition to the bill. While many call it simply a way to raise more revenue, others support it as a way to improve the skills of those who ride and thus reduce accidents. Another concern expressed is that mandating the $200 course in order to be licensed will lead to more riders riding without being licensed.
One issue apparently not receiving much attention, but of concern to organizations such as the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), is the inequity of requiring training for motorcyclists but not automobile drivers.
The bill, which appears likely to pass and be signed by the governor, is only one of several this session addressing street and highway safety. Other bills would outlaw texting while driving, offer a financial incentive for school districts to require children on school buses to wear seat belts, and mandate a $100 fine for first offenders caught using their cellphones while driving. Cellphone use while driving is already illegal in Connecticut.
Comments
This is a good thing. Texas has implemented the same requirement which I appreciate. Far too often I've witness some 60-year-old Bubba saying, "I don't need a class -- I learned to ride in my grandaddy's back field". My thought at that point is always, "Sorry to break it to you but riding in a field back in the 1950's is radically different than riding in the midst of Dallas traffic!"
While training is valuable, many accidents are caused by distracted drivers or drivers who 'didn't see the motorcycle.'
Both Raine & Patty are SO right. Patty, sometimes it's totally out of your hands. I had a friend lose his wife as they were sitting at a red light and somebody looking elsewhere ran into the back of them. And Raine, Dallas freeways ARE different than anywhere else. I got out of a ticket once while driving through a small town east of the metroplex. When the cop saw I was from Dallas, he said "I know you have to drive like that in Dallas or you'll get run over, but don't do that here, we don't drive that way." So he just gave me a warning.
I think everyone should take a motorcycle safety course. But, should it be mandated? I don't think so.
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