Ride Endorsed, Trained and Sober

Fourteen people were killed in Muskingum County in motorcycle crashes from 2012-2014. 

The State Highway Patrol said the majority of crashes they handle involve riders who weren’t properly licensed and endorsed. 

Those seeking endorsements need to take a traffic laws test to get a temporary permit, which comes with certain stipulations.

"That temporary permit allows them to ride under certain restrictions, which is not riding with a passenger, must wear a helmet, and they’re not allowed to ride on any interstate or congested roadways," said Trooper Josh Weaver.

Trooper Weaver said the patrol also encourages novice riders to take a basic rider course. The class teaches proper braking, negotiating objects in the roadway and proper turning along with other safety measures. 

At the end of the course, you take a motorcycle driving test and receive a certificate that you take to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in order to get your endorsement.

"After seeing what the bikes are capable of doing if trained properly versus what I had with 13 years of riding, definitely just a basic course can help you be a better rider off that bat," said Trooper Weaver. 

The basic motorcycle course is 16 hours and cost $50. It’s held locally at Ohio University-Zanesville/Zane State. 

May is motorcycle awareness month and the patrol encourages riders to ride endorsed, trained and sober.