CHAMPION — Being able to ride a motorcycle safely and properly on public streets is what riders learn in a weekend class offered through the Trumbull Career and Technical Center.

The Motorcycle Ohio class is offered most weekends in the spring and summer at TCTC and is instructed by Mike Taggart and Jeff Novy.

Taggart said he and Novy and others went through training, which provides a three-year motorcycle instructor license.

“This is all about safety. The riders take the safety course on properly riding a motorcycle and then they receive an endorsement of completing the program,” Taggart said.

Novy said the four-hour class takes place Thursday evenings and focuses on rules of the road and riding techniques. The riding takes place on Saturdays and Sundays in the TCTC parking lot.

“They learn safety on the roads while on a motorcycle and proper operations of the motorcycle. They learn different riding techniques and how the rules apply when riding a motorcycle compared to driving a car,” he said.

Novy said they have had teenagers to senior citizens in the classes.

The hands-on, two-day riding portion is done on a safety course in the parking lot where riders learn operating and braking techniques.

Novy said the classes remain steady with a maximum of 12 students because many people enjoy riding and want to earn their endorsement or motorcycle license.

“If they pass the evaluation on the course and the four-hour class, they earn their endorsement,” he said.

Gary Honeywood of Warren said he wanted to take the class as a way to learn to be safe while riding a motorcycle.

“This has helped me to be more confident and comfortable on my bike and knowing the proper maneuverability on the streets so I don’t cause an accident. My concern is my safety and whoever is riding next to me or in front of me. I have learned more of how a motorcycle operates and the different ways you can position your body on it,” Honeywood said.

He said the class is fun because you get to ride your own motorcycle.

Sophia Williams of Girard said she started learning to ride a motorcycle from her father.

“Sometimes that can form some bad habits. This class has helped me break any bad habits I may have. I gained a lot of skill in turning and maneuverability while on the motorcycle,” she said.

Williams said her biggest concern is that people in vehicles do not always see motorcyclists.

Novy said a motorcyclist who has had a license for one year is not required to wear a helmet, but new riders and those who have had their license for less than a year are required to wear one.

Andrew Merritt of Liberty said he wears a helmet because of concerns of major injury to his head while riding.

“I want to be safe on the road and not kill myself,” he said.

Novy said some of the students are new while others have been riding for years.

“We often get students who already have their endorsement and want to learn more to improve,” he said.

Hailey Taylor of Columbiana said she has had an endorsement for three years.

“I want to go back to those foundational skills. Often you can get caught in some bad habits, so classes like this bring you back to the basics and the foundations. You learn here and then go out on the road and make sure you are maintaining. Practice is so important for anyone on a motorcycle,” she said.

Novy said any rider, regardless of how many years they have been riding, needs to use common sense. He said when riding in groups, accidents more than likely involve motorcycles riding into each other.

Williams said riding with others does help motorcyclists to get noticed more by other drivers.

People interested in a class can sign up at MotorcycleOhio.com and find a location.

Jason Gray, superintendent of TCTC, said the center serves as fiscal agent for the program offered locally and at Kent State at Salem.

Gary Ghizzoni, motorcycle grant manager, handles the $130,00 grant from the Department of Transportation that pays for the program’s materials and instructors. The grant covers one year from July to June similar to the school district’s fiscal year.

Ghizzoni said he applies for the grant every year. He said the program has been provided by TCTC since 2016. It used to be handled by Kent State University at Trumbull.

He said anyone under 18 must get approval from a parent to join the program.