By Grace Q. Bryant
The National Safety Partnership of Liberia (NASAPAL) is expected to launch the Motorcycle Safety Training school in Monrovia to minimize the number of motorcycle accidents.
The disclosure was made over the weekend at Paynesville in the newly dedicated conference hall in honor of the later Journalist T. Mulbah Kessellie for his dedication and volunteering to the institution.
Speaking at the press conference, the Executive director of the Motorcycle Training School, Charles Coffey, said there is so much desire to positively address the growing risks and lack of adequate training in the motorcycle industry of the country.
According to him, due to the lack of skills many of the riders are usually involved in accidents, and sometimes the passengers die or sustain injury disclosing, “This training program is designed to prepare motorcyclists for street riding. They will develop basic riding skills and strategies to become safe and responsive motorcyclists.”
He added that motorcyclists are highly exposed on the road which is why motorcycle accidents have the potential to be so devastating.
He further said that the training will be conducted under the title of Basic Rider Course(BRC) and executed under three separate categories/studies, the Novice, Commercial, and Leisure rider courses, adding, “This training program will be executed in conformity with the laws of Liberia, especially the Ministries of Justice, Transport and Education.”
He emphasizes that the BRC is conducted within 42 hours, each trainee gets 26 classroom study hours and 17 hours of practice riding noting, “To enhance student with a quality learning atmosphere, class sizes are small and manageable with at least 15 to 20 students and two persons, one coach rider and one trainer aid instructor. The classroom and on-cycle instructions are included for maximum skills development.”
He explains that all operators of motorcycles get trained and licensed and wear all the required protective gear, (helmets, above-the-ankle footwear, eye protectors, jackets, gloves, etc. ride sober, free of drugs and alcohol. Every rider rides within his or her limits, and riders continue to practice the safe operation of motorcycling.
He disclosed that the training will be conducted in the 15 counties of Liberia by stages and two-phase, the first phase will be conducted in stages and two-phase, the first phase will be conducted in the classroom with audio video and PowerPoint presentation, with handouts issued to each trainee, while the second phase will be conducted on the practice range and street with trainees hands on the motorcycle
He further revealed, “Our instructors are highly trained professionals who will promote learning with classroom instruction and hands-on practice in a secure area. In the classroom, we’ll discuss the risks of motorcycling and identify ways to manage those risks.”
Coffey said, “We will identify strategies for becoming more alert and perceptive. We will also explore the handling dynamics of motorcycles so that motorcyclists will know to continue developing their skills. On the practice range, our instructors will provide coaching to increase rider skills and confidence. The course is not competitive and allows riders of various skill levels to learn in a safe environment.”
