From March through October, the Columbus Police Department offers free monthly motorcycle safety classes to the public as part of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. The next BikeSafe-NC class will meet Aug. 1, starting at 8:45 a.m. at the Columbus Police Department.

Police Chief Chris Beddingfield coordinates the program, and says that motorcyclists will receive a certificate upon completion of the class, and may be able to get an insurance discount.

Beddingfield graduated BikeSafe assessor school in 2012, and N.C. Highway Patrol Motor Officer School in 2013. He is assisted by Officer Chris Ruff, who completed the N.C. Highway Patrol Basic Motorcycle Operator School in 2012, and other certified officers from Asheville and Hendersonville Police Departments.

Instructors will focus on motorcycle control (acceleration, braking, clutch control and smoothness); hazard management (observation, planning, approach position, safety margin, reaction to signs, perception of danger and reaction to danger); cornering (curve assessment, approach position, approach speed and safety margin); overtaking (planning and following position); and roadcraft (mirrors/rear obstacles, use of signals and attitude).

The class involves classroom discussion and active riding skills assessment by qualified BikeSafe Assessors. The typical agenda includes a morning classroom session, a short ride, lunch, an afternoon class, a long ride, and a final class session. Drivers are paired with assessors who provide feedback and pointers to the rider.

More information and registration is online at BikeSafeNC.com or call the Columbus Police Department at 828-894-5464.