Marines

Photo Information

Basic RiderCourse (BRC) students stage their motorcycles during a BRC drill at the Motorcycle Training Facility on Camp Johnson, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 7, 2022. The BRC provides the basic mental and physical skills needed for riding and consists of 15-hours of instruction (5 hours classroom/10 hours riding), range exercises, and individual rider coach feedback while learning to ride. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Antonino Mazzamuto)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Antonino Mazzamuto

Promoting Motorcycle Safety: The Basic Rider Course

7 Sep 2022 | Lance Cpl. Antonino Mazzamuto Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

“Motorcycles are dangerous! Motorcycles are less reliable than cars. It’s too hard to learn! I don’t want to be a statistic.”

Organizations like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) exist today because of the most common misconceptions associated with motorcycling.

In the Marine Corps, safety, whether on or off duty, is paramount. As the riding season of Summer 2022 kicks off, it is crucial to educate all active-duty and reserve personnel, retirees, DOD employees, and dependents on the fundamentals of motorcycle safety and clear up the common misconceptions.

Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST) - Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune works with American Motorcycle Training (AMT) to provide programs such as the Basic Rider Course (BRC), which educate Marines, sailors, and their families on the basics of motorcycle safety and riding.

“As a required class for new or unlicensed riders, many students show up just expecting to get their BRC card and move on, although the thought is typically quickly put to rest when the class starts,” said Christopher Chasse, the AMT region manager/contract liaison.

The BRC provides basic mental and physical skills needed for riding and consists of 15 hours of instruction (5 hours classroom/10 hours riding), range exercises, and individual rider coach feedback while learning to ride.

“Our coaches bring real-world experience, different riding styles, and different backgrounds to the classroom,” said Chasse. “Riders leave our class knowing that the coaches really have their best interest in mind.”

With the help of their rider coaches, students who begin the course with little to no motorcycle experience can walk off the range with a newfound confidence in motorcycle safety and road readiness.

"It amazes me when I see a new student who couldn't even figure out where the clutch was on day one, naturally progress and become more confident after learning more of the fundamentals," said Chasse. "By the end of day two, they are riding with a smile and talking about bike shopping."

“If you are even the slightest bit curious about riding a motorcycle, be sure to inform your command and have them sign you up for a class,” said Chasse. “Motorcycle riding and being a Marine both have built-in risks. To mitigate risk requires training, and the more consistent training you have the better you are to handle the risks presented.”

MCB Camp Lejeune, Camp Johnson, and Marine Corps Air Station New River conduct weekly BRC classes. Students can enroll by contacting their unit Traffic Safety Manager or unit motorcycle club president.

“Ride safe and Semper Fi.”