MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- In an effort to keep active duty motorcycle incidents to a bare minimum, all active duty Marines and sailors aboard Camp Pendleton are required to attend a three-day Basic Rider’s Course in addition to a valid motorcycle license or permit and Department of Transportation-approved riding gear and motorcycle.
All of these requirements are mandatory off the installation as well, including wearing the reflective vest and attending the BRC, even if the motorcycle riding is limited to off base activity.
The course consists of classroom time in the morning, where everything related to motorcycle riding is discussed.
“This class is designed to start at the pedal level, people who have never even seen a motorcycle before could attend this class and get a clear picture on how to operate a motorcycle and all necessary precautions to take while riding,” said Kevin L. Frantum, instructor of the Camp Pendleton Motorcycle Safety Office. “Once the students understand the basics, we are on the range applying them.”
While many of the students attending the course are experienced riders, most agree that the fundamental skills acquired at the BRC are vital to any rider.
“Many veteran riders tend to neglect the basic safety procedures and just hop on the bike and ride,” said Warrant Officer Scottie White, a network engineer officer with Brigade Service Support Group-1, 1st Marine Logistics Group and a motorcycle rider for more than 15 years with experience in track racing. “This course really stresses the fundamentals of riding and safety.”
White added that he recommends all riders attend the course every couple of years due to the frequent updates to the course.
In addition to the BRC, the Motorcycle Safety Office also offers the Experienced Riders Course, a five-hour course consisting of all practical application exercises.
“The ERC is designed to reestablish basic riding habits in riders who have been riding their own bike for more than a year,” Frantum said. “We also touch on what to do in emergency situations. It’s when something goes wrong you find out if someone is a good rider or not.”
Frantum also offers dirt bike and all terrain vehicle courses for those who engage in off-road riding.
In order to attend any of the four courses offered, one must possess DOT-approved riding gear, a riding permit or license, insurance and registration.
For more information contact Frantum at FrantumKL@pendleton.usmc.mil or call 760-725-2897.